Race in America

Gathering: Now, as we gather, let’s pause to center ourselves, give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives, and to be both present and mindful as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus: For reconciliation around the division of race in America, we need a new era of truth and justice that starts with telling the truth about our history of racial injustice. We hope that this conversation is a step in the work needed to deepen and broaden the national conversation about enslavement in America and its legacy of mass incarceration today.

Sentences on the Subject: Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states which may be included within this union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. (Constitution of the US Article 1.2)

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. (Constitution of the US 13^th Amendment)

Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees,to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.
What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? Isaiah 10

 I have been so greatly disappointed with the white church and its leadership. Of course, there are some notable exceptions…………..But despite these notable exceptions, I must honestly reiterate that I have been disappointed with the church. I do not say this as one of those negative critics who can always find something wrong with the church. I say this as a minister of the gospel, who loves the church; who was nurtured in its bosom; who has been sustained by its spiritual blessings and who will remain true to it as long as the cord of life shall lengthen. MLK Letter from a Birmingham Jail (If you have never read it in its entirety, you must; if you have, read it again)

Both the pandemic of race and virus are unseen to the eye. Both constrict the breath. Both effect one racial group more than the other. Both effect the most vulnerable people in our society. Both are contested by people who want to deny that there is even a problem despite the bodies that continue to pile up. We have cast blame for COVID in different directions. Responsibility for the pandemic of racism, however, belongs entirely to white America. Bill Worley, United Church of Christ Conference Minister You can read the whole letter here… Pandemic of Racism

We work to help leaders change their world—and the world needs changing. The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the loss of far too many Black lives to list, have left our nation anguished and outraged. While now is a time for grief and anger, it is also a time for resolve. Barack Obama

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. What are some of your early memories of race/racism in your life?

Probe 2. So much happened last two weeks. How have you seen the narrative change over time?

Probe 3. What images have you seen, stories have you heard, or conversations have you had recently that cause you to shake your head in wonderment? What ones have lifted your spirits with hope?

Probe 4. “Let me be clear. You are either racist or anti-racist. Those are the two choices. The latter meaning you are working everyday either emotionally or physically to dismantle the racism that we all have been taught since day one in the United States.” ~Rabbi Sandra Lawson. Discuss her statement. What steps would you recommend for this work? To what could you commit?

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.