At first, things seemed fine. But then came the microaggressions, the condescending tones, the subtle dismissals.
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
Creator God, we praise you for having created each of us in your image—beautiful and loved. Yet, in a world broken by division, we confess the deep pain caused by racism, both seen and unseen.
In our prayer we remember the weight carried by those among us who are judged not by their character but by the colour of their skin. We grieve the subtle wounds, the distant glances, the unspoken exclusions, the stolen credit, and the silent dismissals we must bear. Open our hearts, O God, to know as you know.
God of time, may this journey of 40 days be one of honest reflection and holy disruption. Stir in us the courage to face uncomfortable truths. Grant us the will to listen with humility and to stand boldly against injustice.
Heal what has been broken. Restore dignity where it has been denied. Teach us to move in solidarity with each other not as saviours, but as neighbours, kinfolk, and co-creators of a better world.
In the name of the One who breaks every chain, we pray. Amen.
Congregational Responses
- Whitton had a number of interactions where the White voices were often heard more, and racialized voices were dismissed. He reflects that it often happened when he was sharing ideas. How does your community of faith engage with new ideas? How are diverse voices heard and responded to?
- Whitton tried to explain or rationalize when he experienced racist encounters. He explained it not as racism but as something else. It took him a while to be able to confront it. What are some ways that your congregation could confront and challenge racism?
Credits
- Prayer: Whitton Daley
- Congregational responses: Adele Halliday
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