Using the Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Community vision, we frame a path for Episcopalians to address racial injustice and grow as a community of reconcilers, justice-makers, and healers who share a passion for the dream of God. Because this is the work of spiritual formation, and not simply completing a training or implementing a set of programs, we encourage individuals and congregations to embrace the journey ahead as a long-term commitment. It may be helpful to imagine a labyrinth as you reflect, act, and reflect again. After all, on the road toward reconciliation and healing, we travel around corners, make sharp turns, pass fellow travelers, and double back into quadrants we have indeed visited before, each time discovering a fresh revelation or challenge.
With a resolution approved by the 143rd Diocesan Convention, all persons holding any office in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan must have taken an anti-racism workshop within the last three years.
Upcoming Diocesan Workshops
Despite legal changes and racial integration, the sin of racism still pervades our society. These workshops will examine racism – how it has become embedded in our culture, structures, and unconscious biases. We will examine our own role in the maintenance of systems of privilege. Come prepared to learn and to engage in dialogue with fellow participants.
Apply for Approval of a Congregational Training
WORKSHOPS for racism training and skill development must be, by definition, “working places.” This means that:
Workshop facilitators should be encouraged to plan for these types of interactions with activities that get participants involved and out of their seats. It is expected that due diligence will have been done to ensure that facilitators have the proper training to conduct these sessions.
The EDWM Commission for Dismantling Racism requires prior approval of any parish activity related to racism training and skill development that is designed to meet the diocesan ¨Acknowledgement Certificate of Work toward Racial Reconciliation.¨ Workshop approval requires completion of the attached application, as well as a listing of objectives that reflect the particular phase that the workshop is being designed for. To make it possible that your workshop will be accepted, please complete the following form and submit it six to eight weeks before the event to:
EDWM Dismantling Racism, Mary Simpson, dismantlingracism@edwm.org
You should receive a reply of approval or request for further clarification within fourteen days.
Recommended Curricula
Recommended Reading for Adults
Recommended Reading for Young People
Recommended Films
Liturgical Resources
Service of Holy Eucharist following the completion of Sacred Ground.
Other
Certificate of completion for parish use.
Mary Simpson, Data and Resource Coordinator
