Update on “Report of the Committee on Ministry Racial Bias Assessment 2020-2021”
The Committee on Ministry provided a presentation of its report at the July 14th Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting, at the request of the Board. Present from the Committee on Ministry were former Chair Tom Wacht, Kevin McGahren-Clemens, Ginny Strand, and current Chair Charlie McNally. Tom provided a summary of the Recommendations, and the remaining time was devoted to a Q & A session.
At the conclusion of the Q & A session, a general discussion developed regarding potential responses from the Board in regard to the final Recommendations contained in the report. A consensus was formed supporting an approach that would include three participants: the In the Spirit of Truth (ITSOT)/Racial Justice Team (“Racial Justice Team”), the Committee on Ministry, and the Board of Trustees. It was felt that the involvement of the Racial Justice Team would provide additional expertise and insights regarding the proposed recommendations, including alternatives and potential refinements. Secondly, certain roles for the Racial Justice Team are outlined in the Recommendations, which we felt merited the input of the Racial Justice Team prior to final Board decision making.
On the day following the July 14th Board meeting, Jeff Tomlinson (on behalf of the Racial Justice Team) accepted my invitation to participate in the “three-legged stool” proposal described above. A steering meeting has been arranged for Aug. 2nd with Charlie McNally (COM), Jeff Tomlinson (RJT), and me (BoT). The Racial Justice Team and the Committee on Ministry will work with the Board of Trustees to collaborate on a response to the Recommendations in the “Report on Racial Bias.”
We will provide additional updates as progress develops, and we appreciate your patience in the interim.
Joe Majsak, Chair CUUC Board of Trustees
July 27, 2021
