The Cabinet on Ethnic church Affairs (CECA), was formed in 1972, for the following purposes:

• To strive for full participation of all ethnic groups in the decision-making process of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its ministry throughout the world
• To enable minority persons to develop and implement programs that will meet their particular needs at all levels of the church
• To advocate the rights of all ethnic minorities.
• To promote inclusiveness, unity and understanding of issues that impact the lives of ethnic ministries
• To build community intentionally and be aware of the diversity of our heritage and to appreciate better the creative gifts of racial ethnic individuals
• Recruitment of new leadership and membership for each of the caucuses

For more than 30 years, CECA has been a place where racial ethnic minorities can gather to share their particular concerns and bring the issues to the awareness of the whole synod.

Racial ethnic participation in all areas of the synod’s activity and decision-making is not only encouraged, but essential for the synod to reflect the diversity of God’s call to mission and ministry. Full and fair participation is guaranteed in the synod bylaws. [See below.]

There are four racial ethnic groups currently active: African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American. All four groups meet separately as caucuses and together as CECA. All but the Black Caucus meet only at the synod level. African Americans are also organized at state and local levels: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Detroit.

Every racial ethnic person in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) within the bounds of the Synod of the Covenant is welcome to participate in CECA. As other racial ethnic groups begin to grow, additional caucuses may be formed.

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