“Soft” racism still exists in our churches and communities—the kind that says, “You’re different. You’re not from here.”
Deepening Our Engagement
A 1-minute version of the video is available on YouTube. Consider linking to it from your church website, e-newsletter, or social media.
Prayer
Holy One, in your great Spirit, the tapestry of our diverse hues comes together as the fullness of your expression. In you, we are different, and we are one. We sometimes forget our belonging in you. Our humanity fails us when we wrongfully “other” people with slanderous accusations and assumptions, forgetting that we are all kin, and that many among us are guests on these lands. As we strive to be anti-racist, help us to embody the kind of community that celebrates our diverse origins as an affirmation of your embodied Spirit in us. Amen.
Congregational Responses
- Bob describes the ways that “other” people who are racialized and that sends a message that they do not belong. If you are racialized and asked, “Where are you really from?” how do you respond? And how might you resist the question? If you are White, when you first meet someone, what other questions could you ask?
- Consider some of the ways you can work towards anti-racism. 10 Additional Ways to Work Towards Anti-Racism has some suggestions for congregations and individuals. What might be some options for your community of faith? Consider exploring similar lists from 2023 (10 More Ways to Work Towards Anti-Racism) and 2022 (10 Ways to Work Towards Anti-Racism).
- The United Church’s Questioning Worship: Engaging All God's Peoples offers many ways for communities of faith to reflect on intercultural worship. The various sections focus on greeters and welcome, children’s stories, worship preparation, language and leadership, and more. Choose one section to focus on in your group, and explore the questions that are posed there. After exploring the questions, are there some concrete actions that you might want to follow up? Your group could also choose to continue exploring additional sections of the resource in the weeks ahead!
Credits
- Prayer: Bob Fillier
- Congregational responses: Adele Halliday
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