If your congregation has some familiarity with racial justice concepts and is ready to look inward, Level Two is your next step. This level moves beyond basic definitions to engage in critical self-reflection and dialogue. Here, we begin wrestling with the more difficult questions: not just "what is this work?" but "how does it apply to us?"
Our Goals for Level Two are to:
Move beyond basic definitions to explore how whiteness shapes our specific church culture, leadership, and theology.
Begin wrestling with the discomfort that comes from self-examination and intentionally examining who is centered and who is marginalized in our worship, leadership, and decision-making processes.
Click through for suggested activities and next steps.
Read MoreThe Decentering Whiteness Task Force of the Southwest Conference of the UCC will be present at the 2025 Annual Meeting in Albuquerque. We will be offering a workshop titled "Calling People In," a method designed to address problematic behaviors or statements, especially those rooted in racial bias, with compassion and education rather than public shaming. In the context of racial justice and decentering whiteness, this approach fosters accountability while recognizing that everyone is on a learning journey, prioritizing understanding and growth over punitive measures. This seeks to create a safer space for dialogue, particularly for those from marginalized groups, by fostering a learning environment where individuals can recognize and correct their biases, thus shifting away from a culture that protects white comfort at the expense of addressing systemic inequity. Additionally, we will host a table with various resources to support churches in their quest for decentering whiteness, both personally and within their congregations.
Read MoreBreaking systems of oppression and bias through antiracism
Tuesday, May 24, 9:00am AZ / 10:00am NM-EP
Join the conversation with Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to Be an Antiracist, to unpack what antiracism means and how it can be used as a tool to address all forms of oppression and bias experienced by underrepresented and marginalized groups within a global workforce.
Read MoreFriday, January 14 – Saturday, January 15
Deacon Joan Crawford is providing an online opportunity, "In Solidarity: Antiracism Virtual Workshop" sponsored by the ECC Truth & Reconciliation Commission.
Read MoreThe UCC, continuing and expanding ways to be anti-racist, is taking applications for Sacred Conversations facilitators.
Read MoreHow can congregations deepen their understanding of modern-day colonialism while actively combating social injustice?
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