One of the most important steps for any congregation is to establish a person or a committee to drive the work of decentering whiteness. This designated body is crucial for spearheading the initiative, liaising with our Conference's Decentering Whiteness Task Force (DWTF) to access resources and guidance, and providing feedback to inspire other congregations. This is about building local ownership and accountability.

But where do you start the conversation within your church? It can feel overwhelming. To help you begin, our website provides a downloadable reflection exercise to guide your congregation in a process of honest introspection and communal accountability.

The guide is divided into two parts:

Part 1: Personal Reflection on White Privilege: This section is designed for white individuals to confront how their privilege has shaped their lives. Questions include: "When was the first time you became aware of your own race?" and "How have you benefited from a system that historically and currently disadvantages people of color?" This part of the exercise encourages vulnerability and self-awareness as the necessary starting point.
Part 2: Church-Wide Reflection on Racial Justice: This part is designed for congregational discussions, facilitating a look at the church's history and practices. Questions include: "How has our church's history reflected or perpetuated racial segregation?" and "In what ways has our church remained silent or inactive in addressing racial injustice?" This section helps your congregation move from individual learning to collective action.

This process of reflection is a foundational commitment requiring vulnerability, honesty, and dedication to learning. The goal is to transform understanding into meaningful action, fostering a church that truly embodies God's love and justice.

Next Step: The time for action is now. Download the Reflection & Getting Started exercise from our website, and take the crucial step of establishing a committee or a designated person in your church to begin this vital work.