
About Us
Mission
Pray March Act is a Christian civic discipleship coalition that helps churches understand the root causes of injustice in New York City and mobilizes them to pray, march, and act for policies and practices that promote justice.
History
On June 2, 2020, in response to the murder of George Floyd, 5,000 people, including over 100 churches, convened in downtown Brooklyn to protest and pray. The protest, organized by Bridge Church leader, Pastor James Roberson, and Zion Church’s Pastor Justin Mattera was planned to demonstrate the church’s willingness to confront racial injustice and was mobilized by three principles: Pray: Because the work is bigger than us. March: In solidarity with the hurting and Act: to do justice in a broken world. The moment sparked Pray March Act as a movement and an organization.
In the spirit of that initial moment, PMA works as a city-wide collective of churches, organizations, and individuals committed to promoting justice and challenging injustice in New York City with a particular emphasis on addressing racial inequality through praying, marching, and activism.
We work to identify and advocate for public policies that acknowledge the sacred image of
God in those often marginalized, pursue Biblical justice, and seek the “shalom” of
our communities.
Carine Morrison
Director, Events & Planning
Rasool Berry
Director, Thought Leadership
Josh Edney
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. James T. Roberson
Grant Program Officer
Board
James Roberson
Senior Pastor, The Bridge Church
Chairman of the Board, PMA
Dr. Michael Carrion
Vice President of Momentum Leadership, Redeemer City to City
Jordan Rice
Senior Pastor, Renaissance Church
Reyn Cabinte
Senior Pastor, Uptown Community Church
John Onwuchekwa
Director of Leadership Resources, Christianity Today
Pray March Act Principles
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.[1] On the sixth day, God made humanity, male and female, in His image by breathing His very life into them.[2] Every single one of us is made in the image of God, with beautiful and unique physical, emotional, and cultural differences. God wove His image into our very being and that cannot be changed or stripped away. Though our humanity may be tainted and broken because of sin, nothing can erase our dignity and worth.[3]
The implications of being created in the image of God are profound:
(1) It means that every human has human has intrinsic value and is supremely loved by God[4];
(2) As image-bearers, we are designed to reflect God’s character and love in the world
towards others.[5]
(3) God views our treatment of others as the same as our treatment of him.[6]
(4) because our God is triune, three-in-one, we are made to live in harmonious interdependent relationships with one another.[7]
(5) as our God creates, we create - everything from artwork to equitable societies, reflecting God’s glory in the world.[8]
After creating humanity in His image, God appointed us His representatives on Earth to steward over creation.[9] Additionally, the Imago Dei principle informs us how we are to “have dominion.[10]” Contrary to the abuses of power seen throughout human history, dominion here means we are to rule as God rules; to exercise authority justly, in a manner that maximizes the flourishing of all, especially those with less power. That is the example the creation account demonstrates. God gave us a model to follow to promote shalom and justice throughout our world.
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[1] Genesis 1:1
[2] Genesis 1:27
[3] Psalm 139:13-16
[4] Genesis 9:6
[5] James 3:6
[6] 1 John 4:20, Proverbs 14:31
[7] John 17:20-21
[8] Ephesians 2:10
[9] Genesis 1;27, Psalm 8
[10] Genesis 1:29-31