The Equity Challenge
Almost three years ago we launched our hospitality initiative to be a church that is radically welcoming to persons of color. This initiative was a result of our desire to live out the gospel, and to be faithful to Jesus Christ, our Lord. From the start, some of our members committed to serve as a team, “Christians for Racial Unity,” to help identify and recommend ways we we can work to become such a congregation. They knew one of the ways that would help us on this journey is for the congregation to be exposed to, and study, resources and materials by persons of color and that are specific to race relations. As such, we have been working over the two years to compile and curate a list of books, songs, articles, movies, dialogues, and more to offer the congregation a place to begin. The team had been presenting its work and progress to the Administrative Board, the leadership body of the church, so the members could keep abreast of the work that was being done.
On September 12, we will start our second “10 Day Challenge.” We invite and challenge our members to read an article, listen to a dialogue, or watch a short clip by a person of color on race relations. On this page you will find resources for 10 days. Do not be disheartened if you miss a day. Pick up where you left off and continue the journey. Invite your family to take the challenge with you. Invite a friend. Invite the people in your circle. This is an opportunity to show and reflect the love of God to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Journey well. And God be with you every step of the way, each day.
Part One
Examining Privilege
Day One: Addressing Bias
Prayer: You have shown us what you require of us, O Lord: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Help us now to live as you have commanded, by the power of your Holy Spirit within us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Day Two: Micro-aggressions
Prayer: You have shown us what you require of us, O Lord: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Help us now to live as you have commanded, by the power of your Holy Spirit within us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Day Three: Becoming an Ally
Prayer: You have shown us what you require of us, O Lord: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Help us now to live as you have commanded, by the power of your Holy Spirit within us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Day Four: Now That You Know
Prayer: You have shown us what you require of us, O Lord: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Help us now to live as you have commanded, by the power of your Holy Spirit within us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Part Two
Systematic Racism
Day Five – Equity vs. Equality
Prayer: You have shown us what you require of us, O Lord: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Help us now to live as you have commanded, by the power of your Holy Spirit within us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Day Six – Understanding Systemic Racism
Prayer: You have shown us what you require of us, O Lord: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Help us now to live as you have commanded, by the power of your Holy Spirit within us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Day Seven – Access to Resources
Prayer: You have shown us what you require of us, O Lord: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Help us now to live as you have commanded, by the power of your Holy Spirit within us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Day Eight – Housing Disadvantage
Prayer: You have shown us what you require of us, O Lord: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Help us now to live as you have commanded, by the power of your Holy Spirit within us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Day Nine – Health Disparity
Prayer: You have shown us what you require of us, O Lord: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Help us now to live as you have commanded, by the power of your Holy Spirit within us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Day Ten – The Impact of Systemic Racism
Prayer: You have shown us what you require of us, O Lord: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Help us now to live as you have commanded, by the power of your Holy Spirit within us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
A Deeper Dive
Day Eleven – We Can’t Be Silent
Prayer: You have shown us what you require of us, O Lord: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Help us now to live as you have commanded, by the power of your Holy Spirit within us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.