 One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see. --John 9:25b When the Disciples claimed the 2020 vision, we said we wanted to become and anti-racist, pro-reconciling church. We wanted to see the stereotypes we had developed from childhood. We wanted to see the privileges Caucasian people enjoy as a matter or course in our nation. We wanted to see how systemic racism creates inequality. We wanted to see where our own church structures favor one culture and one racial-ethnic identity over another.
What a mighty goal! To open our eyes to the ways we participate in precipitating prejudice through power. Yet, because we made anti-racism our focus, we actually saw progress.
Our church looks different than it did when we cast the 2020 vision. Our leaders have multi-colored skin tones and multi-cultural perspectives. Now, our search committees learn cultural competency and use the executive search model that levels the playing field from all candidates. Our pastors and lay people speak out for social justice in the streets and in the legislatures. In fact, the Disciples are becoming known for the ways we bring reconciliation to communities torn apart by racially motivated violence.
Of course, we still have a long way to go. But, we have come this far by faith and for the ways our eyes have been opened, I give thanks.
Faithfully, Ruth Fletcher, Regional Minister |
Register now for iCamp which will be held on August 21-23 at Cane Ridge West Conference and Retreat Center.
One hundred students, teachers and school administrators showed up for the end-of-year picnic at the First Christian Church of Hamilton. Because of its location, the congregation has made the high school a focus of its outreach mission.
