RACIAL JUSTICE NETWORK
Once again, America’s original sins of racism and white supremacy are reminding us of the work that has too often been avoided and pushed aside as if it is not present in the very fabric of who we are as a nation, and even the church.
We unequivocally denounce the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and too many others. The images and stories of these incidents have captured our attention as a nation and the church.
And let’s not ignore the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the health, livelihoods, and lives of people of color.
These two pandemics, and the subsequent nationwide protest for justice and change, present us with the moral imperative to put an end to the sins of systemic racism and white supremacy now.
The Racial Justice Network of the Justice & Witness Action Network calls on local churches, clergy, and justice leaders across the Central Atlantic Conference to take one or more of the actions below to support racial justice now.
Make the commitment and start the journey to become Anti-Racist.
We are called to be Antiracist as disciples and the church of Jesus Christ. Antiracism work is challenging, requires the courage to begin and the determination to persevere. And, it demands that we commit ourselves to the journey. The Racial Justice Network is developing strategies and processes to support your commitment and to walk with you on the journey. One of efforts is the redevelopment of our Anti-Racist Local Church Audit. It is our hope to work with local churches, justice leaders and clergy who are committed to this journey. Sign the pledge and join the movement for racial justice and to become anti-racist.
Organize a racial justice book discussion.
Local churches across the Conference are organizing conversations and studying the issue of racism and white supremacy by reading books and using other materials.
Here are some books to consider for a book discussion:
Calling on United Church of Christ Local Churches to Witness “A White Supremacy Free Zone” & Confronting White Supremacy
General Synod 34 Approved Resolution
A resolution of witness calling on local churches of the United Church of Christ of predominantly European descent and UCC local churches in general to declare themselves, their communities and settings as “A White Supremacy Free Zone,” and to publicly express that “We are confronting white supremacy” through declaration, intentional study and action. Calls upon local churches to use “Journey Towards Confronting White Supremacy and Creating a White Supremacy Free Zone Local Congregation: an Intentional Study and Action Guide to challenge Racism and White Supremacy” as a program for implementation.