The Rev. Joseph R. Barndt

The Rev. Joseph Barndt passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 19 in Watsonville, CA.

He was born in Sellersville, PA, and moved to California to attend Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) in Berkeley. He graduated from PLTS in 1960 and was ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament on Feb 18, 1962. He studied at the University of Tübingen, Germany, and in 1996 received the award for Distinguished Ministry in Special Service. As a pastor, he served 4 Lutheran congregations and 2 campus ministries in California, Arizona, and New York City. He was the author of 7 books on racism, social justice, and the mission of the church.

In 1986 he co-founded Crossroads Ministry with his spouse Susan (now called Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training), an anti-racism training and organizing collective. He was executive director for 18 years and then Executive Director Emeritus. In recent years he worked as a trainer and consultant with the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond in New Orleans.

During the past 19 years in Watsonville, he helped start the Santa Cruz County Community Coalition to Overcome Racism (SCCCCOR) and at Lutheran Community Church where his spouse was the pastor he helped found and guide the Community Information Center for Migrant Assistance (CIMA) while also leading anti-racism trainings for them and for the community. He never hesitated to offer his time and skills where needed, whether it was the church property team or supporting and advocating for those struggling for justice and hope in their lives.

His anti-racism work was a lifetime calling and focused on the dismantling of systemic and institutional racism, coming out of the definition of racism as the combination of racial prejudice and the misuse of power by systems and institutions. He knew, as a white person, that racism oppresses all of us, and facing it can free all of us. He had a special focus on the church, which he loved, and served as a pastor for 61 years, during which time he worked with many congregations, synods, and interfaith organizations.

His work will continue to bear fruit on its own and through us in the years to come. Honoring him with gratitude are his spouse of 38 years, the Rev. Susan Birkelo, his sister Ruth Longacre, many nieces and nephews and their families, and his wonderful colleagues and friends who traveled this amazing journey of life with him and will always remember him with love.

A memorial celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, October 1 at 3 pm at Lutheran Community Church, 95 Alta Vista Ave, Watsonville. A complete obituary can be found on the website of Ave Maria Memorial Chapel.

Published in The Pajaronian · September 28, 2023