Black History Month: Week 4

Racial Justice is Something I Didn’t Sign Up For!

“Pastor, it’s a shame that we have school districts that have so many minorities.”

This was one of the most heartbreaking comments I’ve ever heard. I serve in Schuylkill County, which is at the last census 90.7% white in its population and 3.8% black, and also 3.3% Hispanic. Yes, I am aware that this adds up to 97.8, and the rest of that is designated as “other”. That comment that you read above? It came not from any parishioner I’ve had, but from someone who attended a funeral that I had led.

Black History Month: Week 3

Racial Justice Work is God’s Work, Our Hands

“Why should I care about all this racial justice stuff?”

“The church should stick to spiritual matters, not get involved in politics!”

I sometimes hear these arguments. And I get it. There was a time when I didn’t see how my call to be a pastor included a call to work for justice. I thought these were two separate things – both good things, to be sure – but not necessarily related. Was I ever wrong!

Black History Month: Week 2

Racial Justice Work

Where does one begin? That’s a great question! If you are asking, then you are already on the right track. When I first came to the realization that I needed to learn and understand more about my whiteness and the experience of black and brown people, I started with John Lewis’ Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change and Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy and Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give.

Black History Month: Week 1

Why do we need a Racial Justice Team?

Until we live into the fullness of God’s reign, there will be division, inequity, and injustice. The Racial Justice Team strives to guide congregations, agencies, and members of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod as we grow together as God’s children and live into Jesus’ calling of authentic diversity through racial justice.

Healing through Truth

Healing through Truth Vance Blackfox’s Address on Indigenous Histories and ELCA’s Efforts Submitted by Pastor Samantha Drennan, co-convenor of Racial Justice Team On November 20 at Muhlenberg College, the Red Door Roots speaker series at Muhlenberg College featured Vance Blackfox, Indigenous Theologian.  He began his presentation by thanking his ancestors – the ones he knows, and…