Join us for a thoughtful and courageous conversation about When God Became White. Author Grace Ji-Sun Kim examines how images of a white, male God developed within Western Christianity, the harm those images have caused, and how recovering a fuller understanding of God can lead us toward a more just faith, church, and world.
Make plans now to purchase the book and, come ready to listen, reflect, and engage in faithful dialogue. Whether you have finished the book or are still reading, your presence is welcome.
“Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.”
—Micah 6:8
Inspired by Micah 6:8, the TN Anti-Racism Commission confronts the sin of racism and the idolatry of white supremacy within our Disciples of Christ churches. We seek to embody Christ’s reconciling love through the sacred work of justice and reconciliation.
Register Here
History
Like the country we live in, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has suffered from the sin of racism throughout its history, and Disciples of color continue to be impacted by the devastation of this sin. From the beginnings of the Campbell Stone movement, both free and enslaved people joined. However, the opportunities were not equal. Congregations and clergy of color did not get the same opportunities and support.
After the death of Martin Luther King, Jr in 1968, the Reconciliation Ministry was formed. The work accelerated in 1996 when the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) approve the formation of a church-wide process to discern the nature of racism and develop ways to support congregations address racism.
“Racism is a spiritual and theological dilemma as well as a social evil.”
– Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Soon after Dr. Christal Williams was called as President and Regional Minister, the Tennessee region formed a Pro Reconciling Anti-Racism Commission (PRAR). Rev. Dr. Judy Cummings and Rev. Jay Hartley chaired the commission as it began, gathering leaders to serve from across the region. The region made the commitment to require Pro Reconciling Anti-Racism training for all clergy. Drawing help from experts within and outside the Disciples, the commission created a one-day training program.
Today, the PRAR Commission remains committed to educating both clergy and laity members. Planning is underway to expand opportunities for meaningful, multicultural conversations about racism across the region.