What We are Learning About Ourselves, Racism, and Social Justice
Racial and social justice is a strategic goal of our church and one of our three emphases is educating ourselves as a community of faith to better understand issues related to social justice. Among the 40-50 participants in both the “Learn, Pray, and Act for Social Justice” class and the Literature Discussion Group, I invited a few of them to share what they are learning:
Participating in the group and engaging with the resources has deepened my understanding of just how personally and emotionally detached I have been from issues of race and the events that demonstrate ills of social injustice. It has been mostly an intellectual exercise with insufficient heart. — Peter Murphy
To my shame, I have learned how little I know about the whole racial injustice problem. I haven't paid attention to it. I thought it was "not my problem". This class showed me just the opposite - it IS my problem because I am white and privileged and subconsciously I am racist in thoughts and attitudes and of course, in my failure to act for racial justice. — Judy Dick
The format has been very helpful as I learn and reflect on topics that are uncomfortable and sensitive. I am able to do the assignments of readings, videos, and recording in my own time and in my own way. I can stop and start or repeat…. I so love that my peers teach this class, and they are just as hungry for help in this anti-racism, social justice topic. I like how they constantly remind us, sincerely, that we are all learners, mistakes will be made, there are no right or wrong answers, and this is a safe place to share and be vulnerable. This has been proven every week while hearing some of the heart-felt sharing as well as seeing the tears. — Elaine Carlson
I've really enjoyed the book club and our discussions. I've also been very impressed with the vulnerability of participants sharing about our own lack of understanding and experience of racism. The books have really instigated discussion around situations, language, and behaviors that many of us did not realize would be considered racist. The breakdown of my own systemic racism that has been interwoven into my white upbringing and culture is difficult work, but much needed if I'm really going to be able to listen and understand the stories from people of color. I need to "listen to understand," not "listen to reply." — Aimee Studer
Three things I’ve learned: 1. That I know very little about the pervasiveness of racism in our country; 2. That I am complicit in this racism by virtue of being born white; 3. That there is great suffering and anger going on in the Black community…. I feel encouraged that our church has started to tackle this because I feel we fail our Christian calling if we don’t. – Rosemarie Gresset
To someone reluctant to engage in this process, I would say to them that I didn’t think I was racist until I started looking at my thoughts and actions. As I looked at my past, how I was raised, comments I heard said around me … all of it influenced my thinking and behaviors. I see how it is still present in me and I hope I can change and start to show respect and love to persons of color. – Donna Murphy
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