The mission of AMERC is to promote contextual education for theological students, faculties, and leaders. Working primarily through an ecumenical consortium, AMERC supports experiential learning about the theological, social, economic and environmental aspects of Appalachia culture. Our students are able to listen to the voices of the mountain people. We become immersed in mountain geography and culture. We experience how the people from the hills respond to the unique challenges and opportunities before them. We learn how the marginalization of mountain regions is part of the systemic violence that can be traced back to colonialism.