Level Three: Facing Hard Truths & Beginning to Engage More Directly

Who This Is For:

Churches already engaged in ongoing anti-racism work, who understand basic concepts and are ready to tackle more difficult materials and take more concrete steps toward confronting whiteness in visible ways.

Goals:

• Recognize and critically examine symbols, language, and theologies that perpetuate white supremacy.

• Prepare to move from education into action in later quarters, including direct community engagement and allyship.

Suggested Activities:

• Advanced Resources & Symbol Recognition:

• Introduce excerpts (carefully curated and contextualized) from edgier resources that identify white supremacist symbols and phrases—help leaders and members become more aware of harmful imagery and language.

• Consider sharing a “zine” (with pastoral discretion) that helps identify subtle white supremacist cues, making it clear why these resources are being used and how they contribute to awareness rather than condemnation or discomfort for its own sake.

Critical Theological Reflection & Worship Audit:

• Conduct a liturgical review where committees identify where whiteness is centered in hymns, prayers, images, and leadership roles.

• Discuss how to offer pastoral care to marginalized communities and victims of hate incidents, drawing on the wisdom of community leaders like Rev. Ryan Tate or other local experts.

• Preparing for Community Engagement & Crisis Response:

• Begin planning for engagement opportunities outside church walls, including signal chats or group messaging channels that share local racial justice events.

• Consider forming an early-stage “crisis response team” that can mobilize if racially charged incidents occur internally, locally or nationally, offering solidarity, support, and pastoral care.

• Explore interfaith learning: Connect with local synagogues, mosques, or community centers versed in security and crisis response for guidance and training.

Resources