On August 6, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and William B. Horne II, an ELCA member from Clearwater, Fla., gathered for a live webcast conversation on the complexity and implications of racism. During the webcast, Bishop Eaton called upon congregations of the ELCA to gather for deep conversations about racism and racial justice, particularly in response to several events in the United States.
“Talking about race and racism is hard work for most of us,” says Horne. “Yet our Christian witness compels us to confront racism in all its forms. It is more beneficial if we do it together.”
As you prepare to gather in your congregation, you are invited to engage the Southeastern Iowa Synod Anti-Racism Task Force to help facilitate the conversations. Task Force members have extensive faith based training and experience navigating these challenging conversations. And have materials for sessions of varying lengths – adult forums through day-long workshops.
For more information contact the Southeastern Iowa Synod, 319-338-1273, [email protected].
Upcoming Opportunities in the Southeastern Iowa Synod
- ELCA Webcast: replay of Bishop Eaton’s webcast followed by conversation with trained facilitators.
- Date and time TBA (for more information or to schedule a discussion contact Kathy Smith at the info listed above)
- “The House I Live In”: Movie and conversation around racial disparity and the criminal justice system.
- October 13, 2015, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Southeastern Iowa Synod Center for Ministry, Iowa City
- Martin Luther King Day
- January 18, 2016, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.,
- Southeastern Iowa Synod Center for Ministry, Iowa City
Resources about the ELCA’s ongoing racial justice work:
- Social Statement on “The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries”| Spanish
- Social Statement on “Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture”| Spanish
- Listing of ELCA Racial Justice Resources
- Talking Together as Christians about Tough Social Issues
- Talking Together as Christians Cross-culturally: A Field Guide
- Understanding One Another: A Congregational Resource
Media around this issue:
Recording of the of the full August 6 webcast (about an hour):
Short video statements from Bishop Eaton:
Ongoing global conversation on Twitter (no account needed)
#confrontracism Tweets
