Faith and Justice in a world of racial inequity and injustice
Plans are currently being developed to provide three distinctive JustFaith series to be offered with an eye toward systemic change in our community and beyond. Parishioners are encouraged to engage in one or more as a participant or as part of leadership and planning, and to encourage future participation from all faith traditions.
The first program is titled
Faith & Racial Equity: Exploring Power & Privilege.
The goal of this first topic is the awakening of participants to the economic systems, public policies, cultural norms, and hidden biases that empower some and oppress others.
“
We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in
my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” – James Baldwin
The second program to be offered is
Faith and Racial Healing: Embracing Truth, Justice, and Restoration
. This module guides participants in telling the truth about the history of racism in the United States, that we might work toward true reconciliation with God and restoration with one another.
“Be willing to do something that’s a little bit uncomfortable in the hope
that you’ll get to a place that’s a lot more liberating.” — Bryan Stevenson
The third and concluding program
Faith and Racial Justice: Changing Systems and Structures
gives participants the tools they need to address racism at a systemic level — whether they decide to work for criminal justice reform, advocate for fair housing, close the racial wealth gap, or end racism within the church.
“It has been an honor to work with Rev. Kristin Dollar and the JustFaith Ministries Team to develop
a module that boldly wades into the painful history of systemic racism. I sincerely believe the only way
to build a better future is by creating partnerships across the lines of race that re-educate people about issues
they were socialized to ignore. This module will provide what I call 'new learning that transforms and informs'
the kind of justice work that sets us on the path to healing and reconciliation.”— Dr. Lewis Brogdon
Those within our church or in any other faith tradition with an interest in justice should consider participation in one or more of these timely programs. Details of dates and times for the first program will be announced as soon as they are available, and the group is generally limited to 15 to encourage small group interaction and a plan for action and response upon conclusion. Past programs have included economic justice, immigration reform, incarceration reform, and Christian/Muslim dialog and immersion.
