Dear Fort Hill Faith Family,
In light of our calling as Christians, we are responsible for following Christ’s command “to love one another.”
To work toward racial reconciliation is hard work and it begins with self-examination. For generations, white Christians have only timidly, if at all, sought to bridge the racial divide in our communities. I can say for myself that often we white Christians begin with looking at Black persons as if they are the root of the problem that is racism. I have done this, thinking I was being responsible by trying to address the issues in this way. Only in the last few decades have I come to realize that I need to look at myself in the mirror and ask, “What is my role in this divide? How have I and do I continue to injure the souls of persons of color by my ordinary actions and speech? What can I do to change?”
While we must talk long and often about our role in a racist society, we must begin by listening to our Black and Brown brothers and sisters. We must be willing to experience some pain and suffering and turmoil in our own souls to understand the centuries of oppression, suffering, and killing that our Black and Brown brothers and sisters live burdened by each day.
In the coming weeks, I will arrange for some dialogs by Zoom to begin so we can work to listen together as a community. Until then, I invite you to peruse the attached resources. There are options here of how we can begin to learn the stories long-suppressed of our fellow human beings, our fellow citizens, our neighbors. Let us take time to intentionally step out of the boat of safety and wade into the waters of listening to hear the stories of others so that we might begin to glimpse what the kingdom of God will look like and claim “thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.”
A good place to begin is the 21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., Director of the Privilege Institute and The National White Privilege Conference.
Another place to consider is PCUSA Racial Justice Resources including Statements from the PCUSA, worship resources, policy statements, recommended books, study, training and discussion materials, and articles.
Information on Racial Injustice Historical Events can be found on this resource.
There are many more online resources listed in the Racial Justice Resources for Conversations which provide opportunities for listening in on others’ conversations in order to have our own.
I will also continue to compile a list on a variety of resources, but these are only useful if we use them to begin the work. Please feel free to reach out to me with your reflections and ideas so that we might more faithfully be able to embody Christ’s command to “love one another.”
With hope and heart,
Mary A. Morrison
Associate Pastor for Discipleship