NCC accused of 'systemic' racism Council accedes to race-based demands By Parker T. Williamson The Layman Online Friday, November 19, 1999 CLEVELAND – A standing committee of the National Council of Churches has accused its parent organization of "systemic" racism. Responding to the charge, the NCC Executive Board reinstated an "Inclusiveness and Justice" office that was scheduled for deletion due to the organization's budgetary crisis. The NCC is facing a $4-million deficit for 1999. It proposes to meet the immediate crisis by asking member denominations to come up with $2 million in bailout gifts (over and above their budgeted contributions), diverting donations given to its "Burned Churches Fund," and spending $1.4 million that was donated to Church World Service for hunger and relief ministries. Reorganization study commissioned But even if these crisis measures are successful, the NCC's long-term viability can only be secured by a radical reduction of its operation. Using the Pappas Group, a financial consulting firm, and a special Transition Management Team, the NCC Executive Board commissioned an internal study that is calling for a one-third reduction in staff and a thoroughgoing reorganization of the NCC operating structure. NCC headquarters ("God Box") next to its neighbor, The Riverside Church Racism charge rocks the 'God Box' That study has caused chaos inside the "God Box," a title given to NCC headquarters at New York's 475 Riverside Drive. Using words and phrases that it normally applies to government agencies and corporations, the NCC's Standing Committee on Inclusiveness and Justice turned its focus inward when management consultants began to talk about reductions in staff. In a report to the NCC General Assembly, the committee declared, "In analyzing various incidents over the quadrennium I&J [the standing committee on Inclusiveness and Justice] has come to the conclusion that these events must not be viewed as isolated random acts of racism. They are the result of a systemic environment in the NCC, including its Executive Board, which does not consistently hold its employees accountable for abiding by the Council's policies." Staff protests The Inclusiveness and Justice committee called on a sub-group called VISIONS (typographically described with bold initial letters as Vigorous InterventionS In Ongoing Natural Settings, Inc.) to look at the NCC's restructuring attempts "through a multicultural lens." VISIONS reported the following observations: Morale among members of the staff is at an all-time low. There is a lack of information especially regarding the process in which the Pappas Consulting Group is working … Staff members are fearful and angry about the uncertainty of their future and the future of the Council. Concern for the future of the Council is expressed in several ways including: (1) employees no longer understanding the Mission of the Council and (2) employees being confused on how to hold each other accountable. There is expressed sadness over the loss of community spirit. There is a sense that there has been a decrease in communication between departments. Members of the staff have become confused as to who was in charge … VISIONS reported staff members' protests over "inequities in hiring practices and in salary packages." Additionally, staff members complained that draft restructure plans call for eliminating the only offices that were supervised by "persons of color." VISIONS reported that "the proposed eliminations have fueled the fear that issues of racial and ethnic diversity have not been considered in the Council's planned transition." Faced with these charges, the NCC Executive Board revised its draft reorganization plan by restoring the office of Inclusiveness and Justice to the center of its corporate structure.

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