“Becoming Beloved Community represents not so much a set of programs as a journey, a set of interrelated commitments around which Episcopalians may organize our many efforts to respond to racial injustice and grow a community of reconcilers, justice-makers, and healers.” Beloved Community
As we reflect on the ways that we are called to be a community of “reconcilers, justice makers, and healers” we must ask ourselves “how will we grow into these roles? and “ how can we actively seek Christ in others?” Answering these questions is not an easy task, nor should it happen without the support of a community of people who are willing to walk beside you and learn with you with as you wrestle with the answers. This fall and winter, adults who work with youth are coming together to help each other answer these questions by participating in Sacred Ground: A film based dialogue series on race and faith.
The Sacred Ground series invites us to learn about the history of racism, colonization, and discrimination in America which has directly affected our brothers and sisters of color. It engages us in study through videos, readings, and reflections about topics such as “The Roots of Whiteness” and “Who’s land? Exploring Indigenous History” so that we can try to “peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all the while (being) grounded in our call to faith, hope and love.” During this journey we will take steps towards becoming people who are focused on being “instruments of healing and reconciling love of Jesus, who’s loving and life-giving way we follow.”
As faith leaders we are committed to helping youth live into the Baptismal promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves” and this is one piece of that journey. Our hope is that by participating in this series we will become better equipped to have conversations with young people, about how racial tensions and injustices are affecting their lives and their faith journey, so that we continue to guide them in their baptismal commitment to serve Christ.
If you are an adult that works with youth (teacher, volunteer, clergy person, lay person, etc.) then I invite you to join us. We will be meeting via zoom every other Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., starting Sept 9th through January 27th with a break for the holiday season. Please contact Eden Lewis by September 1st if you are interested in being a part of this group. Contact Eden at elewis@diocesewnc.org.
