The Pacific Islander & Asian American Ministries (PAAM) was organized
in 1974 at a gathering in San Francisco, Califorornia of representatives from different regions throughout the United
States. The vision was to unite and move forward, at the national, regional, and local levels, as Pacific Islanders
& Asian American in the United Church of Christ, sharing our unique gifts with one another.
PAAM was voted
into existence at the 10th Genery Synod in 1975, as a recognized Special Interest Group within the UCC. The 17th General
Synod adopted the pronoumcement A United Church of Christ Ministry with Pacific
Islander & Asian Americans, calling to establish an implementation
committee to make requests about the ministries of the PAAM churches. The 18th General Synod passed a resolution designating
the last Sunday of April as PAAM Sunday when
all UCC churches recognize and celebrate the gifts and contributions of Pacific Islander & Asian Americans in the life
of the UCC.
PAAM has initiated, sponsored, supported and participated in many activities at all levels of the conference,
worked for greater Pacific Islander & Asian American representation on all levels of the conference boards, committees,
and staff.
PAAM continues to address institutional racism within the church and society, is concerned with issues
of human rights and justice, and helps to support and strengthen clergy and lay leadership at the local level.
