January Series

Disparities, Justice, and Loving All Our Neighbors

The seminars begin the new year with a focus on how we can better understand the realities and challenges of working toward justice for all. What are the realities, especially in health? What is the history that created these realities? How can we as the church come to terms with loving all our neighbors? How can we meet the challenges and work harder to follow the model of Jesus?

Learning is the first step. We begin with what Presbyterians believe about justice. Elder Ralph Lowe from Pittsburgh Presbytery will explain how our denomination is addressing issues surrounding justice and anti-racism. Next we’ll learn from Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, who will describe the relationship of race, ethnicity, and health to the disparate effects of COVID-19 on people of color. She will relate this to our calling as Christians and explore ways that we might reduce the burden that these communities are bearing. Dr. Jamy Ard will lead the third session on why people of color are having a starkly different experience with COVID. The differences are predictable based on our history of inequities in healthcare from the earliest days of our country’s existence. The series will close with noted columnist Tony Norman exploring ways we can reimagine America as a more perfect union. What does that look like in our divided country?

Read a quote by John Lewis on compassionate action.

January 10
Why Justice Is Essential for a Beloved Community
Ralph Lowe

Ralph Lowe Jr., Director of Justice Ministries at Pittsburgh Presbytery, is the proud husband of Kelli and father of four boys: Jonah, Joshua, Koen, and Korey. At the presbytery, he provides leadership to break down barriers that prevent truth, justice, and reconciliation. His vision is to create communities where people of all races come together in love and compassion despite differences. Through various justice ministries, Ralph seeks to shed light on injustice and inequality while offering hope for a better future.

January 17
The Color of COVID-19
Fatima Cody Stanford, MD

Dr. Stanford is an obesity medicine physician and scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Among her many professional activities, she chairs the Minority Affairs Section Governing Council of the American Medical Association. She is a tireless advocate for her patients and social justice.

January 24
From Slavery to COVID-19: Understanding the Origins and Impact of Health Disparities
Jamy Ard, MD

Dr. Ard is a professor of epidemiology and prevention at the Wake Forest School of Medicine. In his clinical role, he co-directs the Weight Management Center and provides medical treatment of obesity as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

January 31
Let’s Try Systemic Justice (For Once)
Tony Norman

A columnist and book review editor for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Tony Norman has presented Westminster Seminars in past years on topics that reflect how his life as a Christian informs his work. He excels at addressing complex problems with a clear view of Christian ethics and justice as well as frank and engaging rhetoric.