calendar December 6, 2017 in Congregations, Equipping, Faith in action

Meaningful Conversations About Race

For Such a Time as This logo

ART, SEPA synod’s Anti-Racism Team, has been busy in recent weeks.

​On November 11, ART members Janet Bischoff and Chase Ferguson presented an overview of what happens during anti-racism training to 12 members of Advent, Harleysville.

And on November 12, ART members the Rev. Gwendolyn King and Deacon Kathie Afflerbach were the presenters and facilitators of an anti-racism workshop, “Dismantling Racism.”


Anti Racism Team presents at Advent, Harleysville

Anti Racism Team presents at Advent, Harleysville.

​Members of Advent, served by interim pastor the Rev. Susie Folks (also a member of ART), experienced an overview of “Today’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Reality,” the curriculum developed by WELCA (Women of the ELCA). Covering Context, Connection, and Communication (the 3 C’s), the full training takes participants on a journey into the history of racism, how it is a part of our structures and systems, and our role as Christians to acknowledge, confess and work to destroy it.

This faith-based workshop is designed to be educational and non-threatening. When a congregation commits to the in-depth training, 6-8 hours are devoted to each of the three C’s.


Upper Bucks Conference leaders learn from the AntiRacism Team.

Upper Bucks Conference leaders learn from the AntiRacism Team.

There were 34 participants at the Annual Leadership Gathering of Upper Bucks Conference held at St. Paul’s, Telford. Pastor King and Deacon Afflerbach presented a 90-minute workshop including a Bible Study on Acts 10 “Peter and Cornelius,” discussing definitions of “racism” and “white privilege,” and providing a taste of the WELCA curriculum. The hope is that leaders at this gathering would be motivated to invite ART to present the training at their home congregations.

Follow up!

To invite ART to your gathering, please send a request to: .