What is PRiSM?

PRiSM is a multi-denominational, progressive Christian ministry serving young adult college and graduate students in and around the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan. PRiSM students attend a variety of institutions in our area and come from a variety traditions - and some are exploring faith for the first time.  

You are welcome here. 

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PRiSM seeks to be a welcoming and affirming community for young adult students from all learning institutions and of all faith traditions, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, physical and mental abilities, socioeconomic circumstances, documentation statuses, sexual orientations and gender identities.  We are explicit in our celebration of the identities and leadership of women and LGBTQIA+ members of our community.  

Progressive Christian?

What does it mean that we call ourselves a progressive Christian community?  Good question!  For us, being progressive is not about politics. It means that we understand Christian faith in a particular way.  Among other things, this means:
  • We acknowledge that we don't have all the answers.  We appreciate that doubt is a part of the life of faith.  Our community is a place to explore big questions and journey together. 
  • We affirm the sacred worth of other faith traditions and believe that we can all learn from one another.    
  • We understand the Bible to be a divinely inspired collection of texts written through the complexities of human history.  It is foundational to our faith and spiritual development and for that reason, we take it seriously but not literally.  
  • We believe that Jesus does not just transform our hearts, but calls us to transform our world and seek God's justice in all places and for all people.  That means serving our neighbors and confronting systemic injustice like racism, sexism, LGBTQIA+-phobia, and economic inequality.
  • We affirm and invite the active, equal leadership of women and LGBTQIA+ people in the community. 
  • We seek to respond to God's grace, or unconditional love for us, by seeking to love our neighbors the same way.
  • What else?  Join us as we study, pray, talk and figure it out together!  

Partners 

PRiSM is part of The Vine NYC, a network of progressive Christian campus ministries in New York City.  The Vine brings together PRiSM students with other college and graduate students from across the city for retreats, programs, service projects and other gatherings throughout the year. ​