Intersectionality of Social JusticeIn 1851, Sojourner Truth gave a speech at an Ohio women’s rights convention. In this speech, she called out the hypocrisy of the movement, declaring that when they talk about women, they really only mean white women. Today, intersectionality is used to address identities beyond race and gender. These identities include but certainly aren’t limited to: class, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability and ethnicity. People who do social justice work have come to realize that talking about people in a multifaceted way, instead of focusing solely on one aspect, produces a much more open and safe environment! Learn more at the National Coalition of Christians and Jews. |
6 Ways To Embrace True Inclusion In Your Faith Community -Theologian, activist, and pastor Brandan Robertson defines the concept of “true inclusion” as the radical embracing and incorporating of all people, in all of their diversity, into every aspect of our lives, families, communities, and societies. Here, Roberston shares six ways to move your community from mere “welcome” to radical embrace. |
This page focuses on Race.
There are separate drop down pages within "Social Justice" for:
Advocacy,Books, Hunger, Immersion Experiences, Young Adult Missions and Varied Abilities.
Racial Awareness:The European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice involves European descent members of the ELCA and partners of other ethnicities in being a visible and active anti-racist witness for a multicultural church.
Privilege means that some of us have advantages over others for any number of reasons we don't control — like who we are, where we come from, the color of our skin, or certain things that have happened in our lives. Even when things haven't come easy for some people, they can still have privileges that others don't have. Illustrator Toby Morris provides a simple comic to explain...
How Strategic and Authentic is Our Diversity: A Call for Confession, Reflection and Healing Action - this 16 colorful document from the ELCA provides background as well as pratical steps towards moving forward culturally as the church.
ELCA Anti-Racism Pledge - As church we are called to confess the sin of racism, condemn the ideology of white supremacy, and strive for racial justice and peace. Beyond statements and prayers, we are called to also act and respond to injustices. We invite you to commit to one or more of the 8 actions listed in the pledge.
ELCA Racial Justice - a department and website of the ELCA with pages of resources and staff to guide and lead us.
Lectionary Resources to Tie-In Anti-Racism - Pastor Kay looks ahead through August to help apply anti-racism topics alongside the lectionary.
Becoming the Body of Christ – Condemning White Supremacy -Recording of an online conversation hosted by Bishop Strickland of the Southeastern Synod—ELCA, joined by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Pastor Tiffany Chaney, Pastor Ron Bonner, Ms. Roxann Thompson, Ms. Judith Roberts, Pastor Matt Steinhauer, and more.
From Barna Group: Faith & Race Poll For Pastors This poll measures perspectives and opinions on current issues around race and justice. Pastors are invited to respond and benefit from the insights and answers of others. Faith & Race Congregant Check-In Invite & encourage your people to be an active part of the conversation by sending our Faith & Race Check-in to those you serve. Where Do We Go from Here? - Free Digital Download Only Four in Ten White Practicing Christians Believe Our Country Has a Race Problem. And only half of practicing Christians say the history of slavery still impacts the U.S. Produced in partnership with The Reimagine Group, this special report assesses the nation’s reputation of racism, past and present. Through articles, infographics and commentary, Barna offers:
How to Talk to Kids About Race - from the Living Lutheran magazine.
"Beyond Tolerance" - a free workshop outline, available from Linda Staats and Home Grown Faith.
"We tend to remember and pay more attention to information that confirms our preexisting beliefs – a.k.a. 'confirmation bias.' We also tend to give more weight to information that is presented to us earlier rather than later – a.k.a. 'primacy effect.' Very important too is the 'fundamental attribution error': the belief that, while our own actions can be explained by circumstances (i.e., I yelled at a colleague because I had a stressful day), others' behaviors are explained by their personalities and dispositions (i.e., he yelled at a colleague because he is a bully)." Esther Quintero, Albert Shanker Institute Read more here: Checking Your Blind Spot: Ways to Find and Fix Your Unconscious Bias 
Kids and Race Seattle - We help parents and children to go beyond the superficial notion of colorblindness in order to see and challenge the ways that white privilege still shapes our lives. We help parents seize the teachable moments that arise when they least expect them. We teach children that they have power to recognize and address white privilege and racism. We primarily focus on parents with children in the preschool through elementary ages, but our scope is continually expanding.
Diversity Toolkit - a resource on how to facilitate a conversation on identity, power, and privilege within a group setting from MSW@USC online Master of Social Work program at the University of Southern California.
Combatting Anti-Blackness. The messages of white supremacy are so saturated in our society that people of color can uncritically internalize these messages, which affects how they view themselves and others. Because of the unique history in America that intertwines our economic system with systemic oppression of black people, all people of color are susceptible to anti-blackness. Non-black youth of color, therefore, must learn to identify and combat this racist ideology.
Stopping White Savior Complex. The social conditions that white supremacy has created often result in predominantly white youth ministries approaching "mission" as the opportunity for white and wealthier youth groups to "help less fortunate people." This approach perpetuates the myth of the white savior, which is both deeply harmful in practice and reflects very poor theology.
BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health) - BEAM is a training, movement building and grant making organization dedicated to the healing, wellness and liberation of Black and marginalized communities. 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge -For 21 days, do one action to further your understanding of power, privilege, supremacy, oppression, and equity
Diversity and Inclusion for Nonprofits- Need tools to move your organization forward? Here they are!
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Education:African Descent Ministries of the ELCA created Talks at the Desk in 2022. It is a 4 part video series exploring diverse expressions of the church. Stream them on YouTube or download them here. A discussion and resource guide are also available.
Tell Me the Truth About Racism: Helping you share the gift of antiracism with kids in your church or school. The 7 session training gives you the support and brainstorming to adapt the core story of "The Lie of Racism" for your specific context.
Racial Equity Tools is designed to support individuals and groups working to achieve racial equity. It offers tools, research, tips, curricula, and ideas for people who want to increase their understanding and to help those working for racial justice at every level – in systems, organizations, communities, and the culture at large.
My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem - My Grandmother's Hands is a call to action for all of us to recognize that racism is not only about the head, but about the body, and introduces an alternative view of what we can do to grow beyond our entrenched racialized divide.
Paves the way for a new, body-centered understanding of white supremacy—how it is literally in our blood and our nervous system. Offers a step-by-step healing process based on the latest neuroscience and somatic healing methods, in addition to incisive social commentary. 
Sesame Street Coming Together - Racial Justice: The ABC’s of Racial Literacy provides resources to develop children’s understanding, curiosity, resilience, and empathy—and to prepare for the task of building a better world by standing up, standing tall, and standing together.
Green Space Learning and Development - Inspired by Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, the Green Space Team creates innovative learning environments, provides professional development, and offers consulting services to programs and schools. Includes classes such as "Breaking Bias."
ENGAGE: Talking Race with Youth - Find theological frameworks, starting points for conversations about race and identity, and a litany for worship.
Connect Journal- from the Children, Youth and Family Network of the ELCA. An issue on race including two pages worth of children's books!
Yale Divinity School's "Racism and the Inner Self" - Short videos for discussion. Leading theologians and practitioners explore the critical inner work leaders must do in order to confront racism. The Institute is grateful for the contributions of the Rev. Sharell Shippen, who helped our office craft the questions for Black and racially mixed youth groups.
Rise Up Together! - From the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering, Lesson Five "Together We Rise" comes a free resource about racial awareness.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES INCLUDE: 1. Participants will learn about prejudice and discrimination as it affects all people. 2. Participants will be able to perceive and cite examples of racial conflict in day-to-day life. 3. Participants will gain an understanding of the four levels of racism. 4. Participants will learn of privilege and what it looks like in America. 
Dismantling Racism: A Youth Curriculum - From the Episcopal Church comes a Christian formation program specifically for youth (grades 6-12) is a 6-session curriculum where youth have conversations about race, become allies, and build relationships to address systemic racism in their context. The goal is to help youth connect their faith with racial healing in our communities. *LEADERS MUST BE TRAINED to buy and use curriculum. Request training. *
Raising a Brave Generation with Tons of Resources HERE.
National Museum of African-American History and Culture a Smithsonian Museum - Talking about race, although hard, is necessary. We are here to provide tools and guidance to empower your journey and inspire conversation.
The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama - The Equal Justice Initiativie believes that publicly confronting the truth about our history is the first step towards recovery and reconciliation. A history of racial injustice must be acknowledged, and mass atrocities and abuse must be recognized and remembered, before a society can recover from mass violence. Public commemoration plays a significant role in prompting community-wide reconciliation. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice provides a sacred space for truth-telling and reflection about racial terrorism and its legacy.
The Crafting Freedom Website provides educators with a user-friendly resource on the African-American experience during the era of slavery. Here you'll find ready-to-use lesson plans, videos, PDF slide shows, teacher tools, and student handouts.
13th - A documentary about the 13th amendment (American prisons) directed by Ava DuVernay on Netflix. Princeton Theological Seminary Anti-racism Resources - We declare there is no room for racism at Princeton Theological Seminary. We commit to educating the entire campus community and beyond within a biblical and theological framework to face this present crisis that impedes us from loving God and neighbor. As we continue this journey this website will evolve. We invite you to explore resources and stories as they become available.
Godly Play Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks - FREE with background materials, an age appropriate storytelling of these saints. Resources on Eradication Racism - an extensive list gathered by the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA
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