Skip to Main Content

Race, America and the Church - Undenied

Location: Our Redeemer's in Schaumburg and Online

Undenied: No Longer Willing to be Unheard

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Rev. Chebon Kernell shares insights and learning related to indigenous communities’ history, present work being done, and how we can be in solidarity as we prepare for the future.

In-person and Online

Our Redeemer's in Schaumburg, 1600 W. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg, IL.

Speaker: Rev. Chebon Kernell, Executive Director of the UMC Native American Comprehensive Plan

Moderator: Dr. Richard R. Guzman

Watch the Recording

Find out more from the 2022 Speaker Series


About the Speaker:

Chabon Kernell295x295 1307d

Rev. Chebon Kernell

Rev. Chebon Kernell

Rev. Chebon Kernell is a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and of Muscogee Creek heritage. Rev. Kernell is the current Executive Director of The Native American Comprehensive Plan of The United Methodist Church and formerly served as Executive Secretary of Native American and Indigenous Ministries for the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Global Ministries.  

Rev. Kernell is an ordained Elder in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. He has worked with the World Council of Churches, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops assisting in a denominationally mandated effort to improve relationships with Indigenous communities through dialogue, study and local or regional acts of repentance acknowledging harms inflicted upon Indigenous communities.

In 2016 he was honored by receiving the Religious Literacy Award sponsored by the Westar Institute “for his tireless efforts to educate the general public, including not only mainstream American Christians but also native peoples themselves, about the ‘deep and broad religious riches’ of Indigenous peoples in the context of reconciliation work and the recovery of native practices. “ 

He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Oklahoma City University and a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary.  He is a cultural practitioner and member of the Helvpe Ceremonial grounds.  He is married to Sara and has five children Kaycee, Josiah, Raylen, and Solomon and niece Cali.

Pam Pirtle 250x250

Dr. Richard R. Guzman

Dr. Richard R. Guzman

Dr. Richard R. Guzman is a professor emeritus at North Central College where he taught writing, literature, race/ethnicity, and social change and is active in his family’s foundation, Emmanuel House.  He serves as a consultant on anti-racism initiatives for the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church and headed the committee that produced the Becoming the Beloved Community workshop.

The Becoming the Beloved Community Planning Team is Dr. Richard Guzman (Bolingbrook: Friendship), Tom Butler (Evanston: First UMC), Lennox Iton (Hinsdale UMC), Rev. Tennille Power (Chicago: Hazel Crest Community UMC), and Donna Sagami (Chicago: Ravenswood Fellowship).

Find out more from the 2022 Speaker Series

News & Announcements

Rockford Christ Beth Eden Camping 5

Camp and Retreat Ministry Task Force Moves into Feasibility Study

The Bishop’s Camp and Retreat Ministry Task Force has begun the next phase of its work following direction from the 2026 Northern Illinois Annual Conference. Th…

New Ac Secretary Image

Welcoming Our New Annual Conference Secretary

After six years of faithful service as Annual Conference Secretary, Randy Hayes is stepping down from the role due to health concerns. Bishop Dan Schwerin, in consultation with the…

Immigration Law And Justice

A New Name, the Same Commitment to Justice: NIJFON Rebrands as Immigration Law and Justice of Northern Illinois

Immigration Law and Justice of Northern Illinois, formerly known as Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors, i…

Batavia With Building To Be Torn Down

Creating Space for Community in Batavia

After more than 20 years of planning, Batavia UMC is moving forward with the removal of a neighboring building, creating new possibilities for ministry, green space and community connect…

Print