Louisiana United Methodists Stand Against Racism

Racism is a sin. As Christians, we know and proclaim that racism is a sin. But what's next? How do we help eradicate racism and foster opportunities to bring about systemic change? Where and how does that challenging yet necessary work begin? 

It begins with a commitment to respond– not to react. It requires a desire to listen more and talk less, and demands courage to explore challenging topics, not dismiss them quickly.
 

And that's what we as United Methodists in Louisiana want to do. Beginning Thursday, July 2, we will be holding webinars each Thursday at 2pm.

Our work will be guided by Project Curate -  a non-profit and consultancy that works with religious, academic, and community organizations to support collaborative responses to intersectional issues of inequality and injustice. Project Curate's creative, collaborative, and critical work is aimed at imagining, striving for, and living in a better world wherein justice, mercy, humility, and love are not just aspirations, but assumptions within our community ethics.

These modules are open to the public. Registration will require a Zoom account and details are found below. 

Our time together will start with pastors – an intimate, important, and perhaps ministry-changing conversation. It is important to discuss what it means to be white – white in the church and white in the world. 

Together with experts from Project Curate, you will learn that "whiteness" is so much more than a reference to skin color. It's a set of behaviors, privileges, and ways of being. 

Together, we will examine what it means to be black in America. To do that, we will listen with intentionality to African American brothers and sisters. You will explore what 'systemic racism' is, what it isn't, and what it means to be anti-racist and explore ways you and your church can bring about meaningful change. 

Our partners at Project Curate will challenge us, but at the same time, they will draw us deeper with theological reflections and practical examples. The work will be Christ-centered and focused on how we, as grace-driven people, can begin having grace-filled conversations that lead to transformation. 

We stand in the hope that racism can be rooted out; because we know, deep down as Christians, that we are made in the image of God and that it should not, cannot, and must not be this way. But it will require intentionality, vulnerability, courage, and, perhaps most importantly, your need to be honest with yourself, your colleagues, and God. 

Let us invite the Holy Spirit to melt us, mold us, fill us, and use us.