RACISM DOESN’T NEED TO DEFEAT WHITE CHURCHES
A majority of clergy would confess that racism is evil but are reluctant to address their churches out of fear of conflict and without confidence that their church could have a significant impact on society.
RACISM IS A SIN BUT GOD OFFERS GRACE TO DEFEAT IT
WHAT IF YOU COULD:
- Attract clergy who want their church to address racism but are not sure how.
- Offer a model of how to use information technology to survey each of your congregation regarding their basic beliefs as it relates to racism.
- Make use of the power of liturgy especially Praise Thanksgiving and Confession as it relates to racism.
- Using surveys, build an image of a congregation’s belief stance regarding faith and racism.
- Invite members to assemble an explore the image they have developed using the discipline of Active Listening.
- Share your congregation’s image with other clergy who used the same process and invite them to interact around their shared image of faith addressing racism.
- Assemble Black and White congregations and use Active Listening to explore their shared images and ways they can create an anti-racism strategy.
- Use the truth and reconciliation Commission framework adapted to reach across boundaries between black and white congregations as they jointly develop strategies to address racism in church and community.
- Commit to two or three active ministries that witness to racial healing in your community.
