calendar July 27, 2015 in ELCA, Equipping

Confronting Racism

ELCA

Join ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and William B. Horne II, an ELCA member from Clearwater, Fla., for a live webcast conversation on the complexity and implications of racism Aug. 6 at 9 p.m. EDT (8 p.m. CDT).

Through its social statement – “Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture” – ELCA members have expressed this church’s calling to confront racism and advocate for justice and fairness for all people. The statement is grounded in the conviction that the church has been gathered together in the joyful freedom of the reign of God announced by and embodied in Jesus. That reign has not come in its fullness, but the message of God’s “yes” to the world breaks down all dividing walls as we live into that promise.

“Talking about race and racism is hard work for most of us,” says Horne. “Our Christian witness compels us to confront our sinfulness in all forms from within and outside of ourselves. It is more beneficial if we do it together.”

In several public statements, Eaton has called for deep conversations about racism and racial justice, particularly in response to several events in the United States.

“God’s intention for all humanity is that we see the intrinsic worth, dignity and value of all people. Racism undermines the promise of community and fractures authentic relationships with one another. We need to talk and we need to listen, but we also need to act,” says Eaton.

A link to the live webcast will be embedded at www.elca.org/webcast. A live stream also will be available at www.Facebook.com/Lutherans. Twitter hashtag is #ELCAConfrontRacism. A recording of the webcast will also be available on the ELCA website.

Interested in submitting a question for the ELCA presiding bishop to consider during the live webcast? Send your question to . Please provide your name and your congregation’s name, city and state.