Greetings!
The Pittsburgh District Anti-Racism Team encourages United Methodists of the Pittsburgh District to participate in the denomination-wide focus Dismantling Racism: Pressing on to Freedom.
Please join the Service of Lament on June 24th at 1 PM Eastern which is described below.
Lament is a critical step in the process of Dismantling Racism in this nation and in the church! As a denomination, we need to take some serious time to lament our past, present, and inevitable future racism. We can really use guidance from our episcopal leaders as we do that!
Dismantling Racism: Pressing on to Freedom
A Service of Lament
Wednesday, June 24
1 pm EDT | 12 noon CDT | 11 am MDT | 10 am PDT
United Methodists around the world will gather at www.umc.org/endracism and on Facebook to pray and lament for the racism in our midst. Hear God’s call to join in the work of dismantling racism and pressing on to freedom for all.
To view the Bishops‘ announcement of this denominational focus, please click here:
https://www.umc.org/en/how-we-serve/advocating-for-justice/racial-justice/united-against-racism
United Methodists Stand Against Racism
We recognize racism as a sin.
We commit to challenging unjust systems of power and access.
We will work for equal and equitable opportunities in employment and promotion, education and training; in voting, access to public accommodations, and housing; to credit, loans, venture capital, and insurance; to positions of leadership and power in all elements of our life together; and to full participation in the Church and society.
What can you do?
Pray
We listen for the voice of Jesus in our private acts of devotion and our public acts of worship.
The Upper Room has collected resources for the spiritual work of overcoming racism.
Prayers for the Healing of a Nation - Discipleship Ministries
No justice. No peace: Devotion written in response to George Floyd’s murder
Turning to God in Days of Trouble is a prayer for difficult days.
Connect
We begin our work by joining hands and hearts to journey side by side.
Read White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Robin DiAngelo. Or watch her speak. Other titles at Cokesbury.com.
A United Methodist Pastor in Ferguson, Missouri, offers helpful tips for talking about race.
The General Commission on Religion and Race offers several video series to encourage discussion.
Discipleship Ministries offers some great resources.
We also have some tips for talking to your children about racism.
Seek diverse blogs, podcasts, news outlets, and new relationships.
Show up
We seek to be present at the rally, to the pain of others, and for opportunities to use our voices for change.
Saturday, June 13: National Day of Prayer for United Methodist Men, 1:00-4:00 p.m. EDT
Wednesday, June 24, Denominational Worship Service,12 noon CDT
Wednesday, July 1, Denominational Town Hall, TBD
Act
Jesus calls us not only to speak, but to join in the work of liberating the oppressed.
Join Church and Society of the United Methodist Church in their work for civil and human rights.
Connect with United Methodist Women in their work for racial justice.
Suggested Resources for Becoming Anti-Racist: Discipleship Ministries
Give to The United Methodist Committee on Relief's Community Developers Program.
Work for justice in your church, community, work and school.
The Pittsburgh District Anti-Racism Team will be sharing more information about this initiative as it unfolds!
If you have questions regarding this message, please direct them to Tracy Merrick at tracyrm@aol.com or Peggy Ward at pdward11@gmail.com.
Shalom!
tracy merrick (he/him/his)
Pittsburgh District Anti-Racism Team, Convener