What It Means to Be a Reconciling Church
The people of Friendship United Methodist Church in Bolingbrook, a Reconciling community, aim to move from saying “all are welcome” to living “all are home.”
Task List
- Ask your pastor, a family member, or friend to pray with you as God guides you in discernment.*
- Join the Antiracism Champion Team and become actively involved on projects with the Task Force.
- Review and participate in the UM Stand Against Racism Initiative (see below)
- Read one book below under “A Cultural Lens/Perspective on Racism” (see below)
- Complete Chicago Regional Organizing for Antiracism 1–day training, Intro. to Systemic Racism
- Complete at least 3 of the activities in Getting Started and/or Going Deep
- For Clergy Only: Participate in the Clergy Peer Reflections & Engagement Series (Fall 2020)
Stand Against Racism
United Methodist Church leaders have launched a plan of action to galvanize church members and others to actively stand against racism in the wake of the death of George Floyd and protests across the U.S.
The “Dismantling Racism: Pressing on to Freedom” initiative is a multi-level effort throughout the church to initiate a sustained and coordinated effort to dismantle racism and promote collective action to work toward racial justice. Ways to take a stand: Pray, Connect, Show Up and Act.
- Watch Dismantling Racism Town Hall Meeting held July 1. The Council of Bishops, the General Commission on Religion and Race, the General Board of Church and Society and United Methodist Women hosted this event to take a deep dive into the true (and sometimes suppressed) history of our nation and church. This is the first of what will be a series of conversations. Look for more dates and info at UMC.org/EndRacism.
- Watch Dismantling Racism: A Service of Lament, Repentance, Communion and Commitment
- Pray with the NIC Discipleship Task Force's weekly Prayer Network.
- Find the latest diversity and inclusiveness information and tools, including downloadable campaign graphics at ResourceUMC.org.
- Join the NIC Anti-Racism Champion Team.
A Cultural Lens/Perspective on Racism
- A Theology of Liberation, Gustavol Gutierrez (Latinx)
- From Hurt to Healing, Andrew Park (Korean)
- Hard to Dance with the Devil on your Back, Ray Buckley (Native American)
- Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe (African)
Next Steps
Survey