Reparations and Racial Equity Fund Now Established in the Sierra Pacific Synod

The Sierra Pacific Synod announces the establishment of the Reparations and Racial Equity Fund, now in active implementation following action by the Synod Assembly through Resolution 2022–3 and subsequent approval of operational policy.

This Fund represents a concrete step in the Synod’s ongoing commitment to racial justice, equity, and repair. Rooted in our shared faith and guided by the call to move beyond words into meaningful action, the Fund is intended to acknowledge historic and ongoing harm and to offer tangible acts of reparation.

Through this Fund, grants will be distributed to self-identified BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals who are currently rostered, or who have previously been rostered, within the present-day territory of the Sierra Pacific Synod, whether through the ELCA or through the corresponding predecessor-body jurisdictions of the LCA, ALC, or AELC, and who are in good standing.

The application process and grant cycles will be announced in the coming weeks. Eligible individuals are encouraged to apply. Members of the Synod are also invited to share this information with those who may qualify. You may reach out to the committee to ensure that you receive direct communications when the grants are announced by sending us an email to reparations@spselca.org. 

In addition to grantmaking, the Fund may also support events that foster healing, community, and racial reconciliation within the Synod.

This work reflects the Synod’s commitment not only to name injustice, but to participate in repair in ways that are intentional, accountable, and faithful.

Further details regarding application timelines and processes will be shared through Synod communications.