In 2022, the General Assembly (national governing body for the PC(USA)) voted to update the list of required policies that each church, presbytery and synod in our denomination must have as part of their Manual of Operations. The G-3.0106 was updated in 2023 to say:
“All councils shall adopt and implement the following policies: a sexual misconduct policy, a harassment policy, a child and youth protection policy, and an antiracism policy. Each council’s policy shall include requirements for boundary training which includes the topic of sexual misconduct, and child sexual abuse prevention training for its members at least every thirty-six months.”
In order to be in compliance with these rules, the Session needed to write and approve an anti-racism policy by the end of 2025. We looked at a few examples from other churches and governing bodies, but felt they weren’t the most helpful for our particular context here at Parkwood, in Jenison.
So rather than approve a policy that didn’t fit just for the sake of following the rules, we decided to broaden the question: beyond and including questions of race, what does radical inclusivity look like at Parkwood? What boundaries and safeguards do we want to put in place to help ensure that this broad welcome of Jesus continues to be prioritized for this congregation? How do we write a policy that rejects discrimination in all its forms, AND protects the freedom of conscience of our members and leaders?
The result of those questions is this policy. It was approved by the Session at our meeting on December 15, 2025 and it is currently in effect as part of our Manual of Operations.
Like every policy we have, it will be reviewed and subject to updates at least once per year. But we are proud to share this document with you, which we feel reflects the best of Parkwood’s commitment to welcome and inclusivity.
You can read the document below, or click here to read it on a mobile browser.