In the vibrant core of New York City, an exceptional chance has emerged — one that could significantly enhance the social initiatives already undertaken by congregations similar to mine, where faith and action unite to promote justice and compassion. The West Park Presbyterian Church, situated at 86th and Amsterdam Ave., has envisioned a plan to achieve this goal.
West Park is appealing to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a hardship allowance to permit the sale of a deteriorating building they can no longer sustain financially. Should this be approved, most of the sale proceeds would be allocated to establish the West Park Presbyterian Church Social Justice Fund, managed by the Presbytery of NYC.
The Fund aims to provide up to $900,000 annually to the Presbytery’s member churches located in underrepresented areas citywide to support food, housing, educational programs, immigration services, historical preservation, among other initiatives. This generous endowment of $25 million to $30 million would increase the financial assistance provided by the Presbytery to member churches by over 350%.
This chance can revolutionize the lives of countless individuals and families throughout all five boroughs. It represents the largest donation in the Presbytery’s history, and for congregations akin to mine, it will greatly enhance our capacity to assist those in need.
Throughout my time as a pastor, I have seen firsthand the powerful impact that action rooted in faith can have on people’s lives.
Every week, we offer services to community members whose essential needs are unmet by existing systems. We serve hot meals to numerous individuals every Sunday. We distribute clothing and essentials like toiletries and hygiene products to anyone requiring them. We support new mothers through their postpartum phases. We stand by the grieving during periods of loss and uncertainty, ensuring that nobody ever feels isolated.
Nevertheless, despite our unwavering efforts, numerous individuals remain beyond the reach of our services due to limited funding. With more resources, our potential to offer help could be significantly expanded.
With the grant of a hardship by LPC, we could do more for our community, and subsequently for the broader wellbeing of New York. We could expand our ESL program to foster community integration for our members eager to learn English. We could offer mental health counseling to individuals who are struggling.
We could provide workforce training for women seeking independence and empowerment. We could provide accessible legal counseling for those who can’t access it. We could also provide showers and basic facilities to those who need them, further making our congregation not just a place of worship, but a place they can feel safe and secure.
These needs have long been unmet for our community, but this presents the opportunity to make them a reality. This money could help us build a comprehensive support system for the most vulnerable, making sure that they have the tools not just to survive, but to thrive.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ followers asked “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” And Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
These words are more than just Scripture: they are a call to action, a blueprint for how we — as a community of faith — need to engage with the world around us. We are called to serve those in need, not just out of obligation, but out of empathy and commitment to justice.
The service of others not only helps the individual but acts as an investment in New York at large. When we invest in the wellbeing of those most in need, the whole community becomes a safer, more compassionate city — where every person is treated with respect and has the opportunity to thrive.
Too many New Yorkers are being left behind — struggling with the rising costs of food, child care, health care, and educational support.
I call for all individuals involved in this decision to consider the long-term and profound impact that the West Park Presbyterian Church Social Justice Fund could provide for those who need it most across all of New York City, creating a community where justice, compassion, and opportunity are available to everyone.
Rivera is moderator of the Presbytery of New York City and senior pastor of the First Spanish Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn.
