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NOTICE: Over the next several weeks we will be updating our webiste. At times the website may not look complete, or items may be missing. We appreciate your patience in this time of transition.
Anti-Racism Resources
Who is this page for? -- Answer: Everyone. We are all in different places of our awareness and commitment to understanding and dismantling racism in our world. For some, this work is about our own personal awareness and growth. For others, this is work out in the community through programs and efforts being led by both the church and non-church entities. Here you'll find some help along your journey.
What is this page? -- Answer: We will compile resources to offer anyone insight and opportunity to grow in their personal and corporate work on helping understand and dismantle racism in our world. You'll find recommendations for books, videos, programs, and other resources. Over time this page will grow and change in what it offers. This growth and change will come from our church's own growth and ability to better serve anti-racism efforts.
When will this page be updated? -- Answer: As often as we can. Our plan is to get this up with some initial resources and develop/craft it as we go.
Why are we offering this? -- Answer: As the United Methodist Church we vow to "renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of our sin" as a part of our baptism into the membership of the church. We also "accept the freedom and power God gives us to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves." Racism is both wicked, evil, and a part of all of our lives--albeit in different ways. We all have the capacity to resist racism. We want to do our part now while we also learn and grow in our awareness in what our part is and can be. The founder of the Methodist Movement, John Wesley, had three simple rules: 1. Do No Harm, 2. Do Good, and 3. Stay in Love with God. Not participating in racism is a good first step in doing no harm, but actively working to understand and dismantle racism is how we truly bring our efforts to both do no harm and do good to fruition. Working to encourage and build up the people around us (no matter their race) is how we love our neighbor as ourself and, in turn, stay in love with God's will and way for our lives.
How will we operate in our Anti-Racism efforts? -- Answer: We will work with each other. Our Indiana Conference is dedicating time and resources to be anti-racist. We will utilize the tools they offer. We will solicit your help. You can reach out to us and let us know of resources we can include on this page. We will continue to offer studies and opportunities of growth and awareness as a part of the ministry of our congregation; this will aid us in our ongoing efforts.
You can read about our new ministry here: https://www.inumc.org/districts/south-district-lp/a-new-journey-of-faith-and-justice/
Webpages and resources for more study: