ISSUES FACING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY NOW

In 2006, The African American Lectionary Project, through funding from the Lilly Endowment, sent questionnaires to 10,000 African American clergy of all denominations as well as a small percentage of non-denominational churches.

The survey indicated that clergy believe that the issues listed below were important concerns of the African American community. We also Reverendiewed the list of issues of concern to African Americans that was presented by the National Urban League in its 2006 State of Black America Report. After Reverendiew of the survey and the report, the list below emerged. These issues will be raised in lection readings throughout year one.

Issues of Importance

In national order of importance, but not necessarily in order of importance in your community, the issues are: 

1. Strengthening Men and Boys (This should also include Strengthening Women and Girls.)
   
   
2. Strengthening Families
   
   
3. Unemployment/Poverty/Economic Empowerment
   
   
4. Violence in our communities
   
   
5. Racism
   
   
6. AIDS and Health Issues
   
   
7. Finding Ways to Welcome All to the Church
   
   
8. Drug Recovery
   
   
9. Incarceration
   
   
10. Strengthening Education (Secular and Christian Education)
    
    
11. Addressing the Problem of Greed
    
    
12. The Environment