Pro-Reconcilation/Anti-Racism

Pro-Reconciliation-Anti-Racism

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Grants

We seek becoming an anti-racist, multi-cultural region that is a fully inclusive, transformed church, where racial and cultural differences are seen as assets. Reconciliation Ministry is a ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Its aim is the formation of leadership to facilitate the long-term process of collective identity transformation within the Disciples community. Although its ministry focuses on the eradication of systemic racism, it is clear that this task cannot be accomplished without the tranformation of individual lives and the fostering of dialogue among people. The mission of Reconciliation is to nurture the wholeness of the church by dismantling systemic racism and other opressive structures toward becoming a church that demonstrates true community, deep Christian spirituality and passion for justice. This ministry is accomplished through organizing, education and advocacy.

The Mid-America Region PR/AR Team was formed in 1999. The Team Co-Chairs are Phil Smith and Rev. Margie Pride. Since that time, it has changed and grown. The team has lead presentations and workshops at congregations throughout the Region, as well as at Elder Institutes, at a SEGA Youth event and at the Christian Regional Youth (CRY) Rally, African American Convocation and Area Board meetings. Stay tuned for more information about the exciting new groups!

The teams first Regional Training event was held at Rickman Center in April 2006. There, a large number of those who attended formed their own Area Departments: the Northeast Area PR/AR Group; and the Southeast Gateways or AR/PR Team. Some of these members have recently become part of the Regional team. The team members are: Phil Smith, Rev. Margie Pride, Mary Cupp, Rev. Maureen Dickmann, Sandra Dorton, Keona Ervin, Rev. Betsy Happel, Madeline Haraway, Jerry Holloway, Janice Legg, Marsha Mayfield, Joe Miller, Rev. Sally Robinson, Toni Rose, Rev. Danny Stewart and Candy Weems.

The second annual PR/AR Training Workshop sponsored by the Missouri School of Religion was June 19-21 at Rickman Center.