ELCA Advocacy - Connecting faith and public life
Through faithful advocacy, the ELCA lives out our Lutheran belief that governments can help advance the common good. ELCA advocacy works for change in public policy based on the experience of Lutheran ministries, programs and projects around the world and in communities across the United States.
Through faithful advocacy, the ELCA lives out our Lutheran belief that governments can help advance the common good. ELCA advocacy works for change in public policy based on the experience of Lutheran ministries, programs and projects around the world and in communities across the United States.
Intersectionality of Social Justice
Talks and theories of intersectionality have dated way back to abolitionists such as Sojourner Truth.
In 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.
In 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.
This page focuses on Race.
There are separate drop down pages within "Social Justice" for:
Books, Hunger, Immersion Experiences, Young Adult Missions and Varied Abilities.
Racial Awareness: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...
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.
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.
Getting Started. In the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, many people across racial lines have begun to acknowledge the reality of systemic racism. If you are newer to the movement toward racial justice, take some time to educate yourself. And remember—this moment isn't new. People of color (particularly black people) have long been fighting this fight.
Accountability to People of Color. There's no getting around it—conversations about race are hard and emotional conversations. But they are necessary; they are part of the work. In the process of these conversations, you will make mistakes and need to be corrected—especially if you are white. But these corrections are also part of the work. Sitting with your own discomfort is not work that white people are accustomed to doing in a system of white supremacy. Accountability to people of color is essential. Action Over Intention. While education about race and racism is an essential part of the process toward dismantling the oppression of white supremacy, it is not enough to know and not act. Beyond the hashtag, beyond the blackout boxes on social media, and even beyond the protests, there is work to do. Racism is Sin. White supremacy is idolatry. Reckoning with the ways that this evil has ravaged the Church and corrupted the gospel of Jesus Christ is imperative work in the world today. Anti-racist ministry matters, not only because of the the social implications of racism but also because of how racism poisons theology. "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 
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.
Practices of Self-Care. Black trauma is compounded by constant exposure to black trauma. Equipping black youth with practices of self love and care is essential youth ministry. From the Association of Black Psychologists and the Community Healing Network. Media by and for Black Youth. Consuming media that centers blackness and minimizes the white gaze is vital for black youth identity development. Theologians Who Center Black Youth. By no means a comprehensive list, we love engaging the work of:
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.
Making and Protecting Non-White Space. "Diversity," "inclusivity," and "belonging" have become favored buzzwords for well-meaning white people. Yet, in a society permeated by white supremacy, these words often imply the creation of predominantly white spaces that still operate within the norms and constructs of white supremacy— just with more people of color. In order to help youth of color develop and thrive, ministries need to cultivate and protect spaces (through worship, programs, events, and other tools for ministry) that are not dominated and constructed by whiteness. 
Being Nice Isn't Enough. White people are frequently brought up to believe that racism occurs in isolated incidents with individual people saying or doing mean things to people of color. This teaching leads white people to believe that the solution to racism is simply being nice to people of color. The desire to promote "colorblindness"—a refusal to acknowledge racial difference and its impact on society—often follows from this logic. But this refusal is also a denial of the fullness of another person and their experience. This isn't actually nice at all.
White Youth Have a Racial Identity. The messages of white supremacy indoctrinate white people to understand themselves and their experiences as the default way to be human. While everyone else has a race, the logic goes, white people are just normal people. Like colorblindness, this erases the full humanity of people of color and often results in white people never realizing their own racialized identity. 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. Anti-Racist Youth Ministry. Angela Davis said it best: "In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist; we must be antiracist." Faithful youth ministry with white youth requires a commitment to the work of anti-racism. |
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.
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. *
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. Lectionary Resources to Tie-In Anti-Racism - Pastor Kay looks ahead through August to help apply anti-racism topics alongside the lectionary.
21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge -For 21 days, do one action to further your understanding of power, privilege, supremacy, oppression, and equity
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.
ENGAGE: Talking Race with Youth - Find theological frameworks, starting points for conversations about race and identity, and a litany for worship.
Raising a Brave Generation with Tons of Resources HERE.
Possip - Possip is an app that builds stronger schools through the power of your community. Routinely get the insights, feedback and information you need from families and staff; especially so that all socio-economic backgrounds and voices of color are heard.
Education:
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.
American history begins with the creation of a myth to absolve white settlers of the genocide of Native Americans: the false belief that nonwhite people are less human than white people. This belief in racial hierarchy survived slavery’s abolition, fueled racial terror lynchings, demanded legally codified segregation, and spawned our mass incarceration crisis.
The dehumanizing myth of racial difference endures today because we don’t talk about it. The Equal Justice Iniative is working to change that. 
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.
Church Next - Here are five online courses that can help:
1. Spirituality and Racial Justice with Michael Curry, available in For Individuals and For Groups formats. 2. Whiteness and Racial Justice with Kelly Brown Douglas, available in For Individuals and For Groups formats. 3. Reparation and Racial Justice with Jennifer Harvey, available in For Individuals and For Groups formats 4. Theology and Racial Justice with J. Kameron Carter, available in For Individuals and For Groups formats 5. Racism and Racial Justice with Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, available in For Individuals and For Groups formats 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.
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