"Redefining ourselves as the children of God, who reject racial privileging and stand alongside one another as equals, is the beginning of social and political change. It is not only a question of language; even more, it's a commitment to action against radicalized systems and structures, which means both to dismantle them and to create more equitable and fair systems and processes-which we can and must build together!" -Jim Wallis, America's Original Sin
Connect and learn about racial justice issues and action.
In January 2015, a group of passionate people gathered to confront the rising instances of injustice to people of color in the United States. In July 2020, representatives of 30 Potomac Association churches met to share what their individual churches are doing to address racial justice and share resources. We are working to share information and resources for individuals, congregations, communities and institutions. The UCC has outlined the work of racial justice to address and to dismantle racism at the personal, congregational, community, and institutional levels by creating change.
Personal Level
Individuals must engage in a lifelong journey to understand themselves, including how they have been racially socialized and how they overtly or inadvertently participate in racial oppression. And then, they must work to disrupt the messages, attitudes and behaviors that promote and support racism at any level.
Congregational Level
The Church is challenged to examine how white supremacy culture has filtered into religious interpretations, rituals, symbols, operations, etc. congregations on a journey to achieve racial justice need to (1) look inward at how it addresses these issues, (2) provide a structure and process for congregants to engage in their internal and interpersonal work, and (3) provide a structure and process through which individuals and the congregation as a whole embarks on action that is directed toward change in the community or on a larger scale.
Community Level
There is the need to raise awareness about issues that are local examples of overt or systemic or institutional racism at work. The issues must be identified and understood, alliances made with affected populations, and strategies developed and implemented.
Systemic/Institutional Level
The social systems of this country incorporate values, principles, policies and procedures that serve to maintain the status quo white supremacy culture. There are multiple opportunities to engage in awareness raising, capacity building and specific social action tasks as an individual volunteer or through the congregation, Association, Conference or national UCC activities and coalitions.
We invite you to learn more about:
Central Atlantic Conference (CAC) Racial Justice initiatives.
Racial Justice Network Statement & Call to Action
Thanks for taking this step to learn who we are and to move forward in expressing our desire as people of faith to bring justice, fairness, equality and love for all people to our churches and communities.
For more information, please contact Anne Holmes
703-403-6653
aeholmes416@gmail.com