Website Launch

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, November 22, 2021

The 66th Synod Reparation Fund

And We’re Live!

Visit Our New Website www.66thsynod.org

What’s the 66th Synod Reparations Fund’s mission?

Our mission is to build a fund that allows those from the dominant culture to contribute for the repair of the damage done due to the inequitable treatment of Black rostered leaders in society and the ELCA. The damage is caused by systemic racism, white supremacy, and complacency.

Rev. Jehu Jones, a free Black person was the first to be ordained by a Lutheran church body in the United States under the institution of slavery. The 66th Synod Reparations Fund is an endowment established in the spirit of Rev. Jones to repair, redress, and remedy historic inequalities that he experienced. Most Black rostered leaders continue to experience these inequities today—two hundred and thirty-five years later.

Why the name 66th Synod?

Although there are 65 synods in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, symbolically we envision a church where all will be met with welcome, equity and Christian kindness, hence the 66th synod. This is the brainchild of Rev. Lenny Duncan, who after raising the initial funds entrusted Black women pastors to establish the 66th Synod Reparations Fund as an endowment. The goal is to raise one million dollars.

Join the Movement!

Here’s how:

Please visit the www.66thsynod.org for detailed information. There you may make a tax-deductible donation.

Pastor Priscilla Austin Nakia@66thsynod.org 

Pastor Angela Shannon Akoye@66thsynod.org 

Pastor Andrea Walker DivineJustice@66thsynod.org 

Founding Board Members