Pacific Islander & Asian American Ministries (PAAM) was organized in 1974 at a gathering in San Francisco, California, 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 Americans in the United Church of Christ, sharing our unique gifts with one another.

PAAM was voted into existence at the 10th General Synod, in 1975, as a recognized Special Interest Group within the UCC.  The 17th General Synod adopted the pronouncement, “A United Church of Christ ministry with Pacific Islanders & 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 contribution of Pacific Islanders & 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 PAAM 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.

The Northern California Nevada region encompasses Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Samoan and Marshallese churches.  You are invited to visited any of them.