Is your church just beginning to explore the work of decentering whiteness? If so, Level One is the perfect place to start. This level is all about building a shared vocabulary and understanding in a compassionate and supportive environment. We believe that a strong foundation is the key to all subsequent work.

Our Goals for Level One are to:

Establish a shared understanding of terms like "decentering whiteness," "white supremacy culture," and "racial justice".
Begin to recognize how whiteness shows up in church traditions, worship, and decision-making.
Create a safe space where congregants can ask questions and engage in dialogue without fear of judgment.

Suggested Activities to get you started:

Host a Basic Educational Series. A four- to six-week study group is an excellent way to begin. We recommend using accessible resources like James Cone's The Cross and the Lynching Tree for historical context or watching a relevant documentary such as 13th to understand systemic issues. The key here is to provide a weekly discussion guide that includes a scripture or faith tradition reflection and prompts related to race and faith.
Introduce Key Concepts. Invite a guest speaker or a trained facilitator to give a basic presentation on what "decentering whiteness" means in a church context. This can help normalize the conversation and provide a trusted voice to guide the initial learning.
Create Safe & Compassionate Spaces for Conversation. Host small group discussions that encourage open, non-judgmental conversation. Emphasize listening, empathy, and the importance of being okay with discomfort. This is where the real growth begins.

Our focus at this point is on education and awareness to build a strong foundation for deeper work and action. This is a vital first step, not a lesser one, and it is the necessary groundwork for all that is to come.

Next Step: If this sounds like your congregation, visit the Level One page on our website for more details and resources to get you started. The goal is to start a group in your church to begin this essential foundational work.