We have a special reading today from Josh Brockway, Director of Spiritual Formation who was inspired to write for the “Black History 2020: Looking Back to Live Forward” program led by Rev. LaDonna Nkosi, the new Director of Intercultural Ministries and Alexandra Toms, Racial Justice Associate in the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy. We will
Intercultural Ministries
A conversation about how race, culture, ethnicity, and language impact our relationships with one another and how we do ministry
Were You There When They Killed King?
We need all of you. And you know what’s beautiful to me is to see all of these ministers of the Gospel. It’s a marvelous picture. Who is it that is supposed to articulate the longings and aspirations of the people more than the preacher? Somehow the preacher must have a kind of fire shut
Where is Martin Luther King Jr.?
“I have never seen, even in Mississippi and Alabama, mobs as hateful as I’ve seen here in Chicago.” – Rev Martin Luther King Jr., in 1966 Where is Martin Luther King Jr. in your neighborhood? How would our national history be different if he had never been assassinated? We often think of Rev. Dr. Martin
Would You go to the Wakanda Workcamp?
This is what happened when the Church of the Brethren talked about the Black Panther Last week over 25 people gathered to talk about our experiences of watching Black Panther – the ways it was inspiring, troubling, entertaining and thought-provoking. There was a lot of diversity on the call: We called in from across the
When “IT” Makes the News
By Gimbiya Kettering I’ll admit, the news story about Jamar Clark has not been on my radar. I have been caught up in the pre-pre holiday business, local meetings, life with a toddler who now takes off her socks as I look for her gloves and her gloves while I am fastening her shoes. The
Confession, Repentance and Commitment to End Racism
“Racism will not end with the passage of legislation alone; it will also require a change of heart and thinking. This is an effort which the faith community must lead, and be the conscience of the nation. We will call upon every church, temple, mosque and faith communion to make their worship service on this
On the Road to Damascus: When the scales fall from our eyes
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated our country. It not only flooded cities, destroyed buildings, and displaced people off the Gulf region– it somehow displaced all of us. I remember being struck by a photo of an older, Black woman, suddenly homeless, wrapped in an American flag. It seemed impossible to believe that this could
Thinking About Ferguson – Again
This is not a one year old problem –Efrem Smith A year ago, I had never heard of Ferguson – despite having traveled to Missouri several times, and despite loving a sci-fi show set in St. Louis. Or if I heard of it, it didn’t register. Not the way it does now. Now I cannot
Keep On, Keeping On
Almost every week, someone asks “What should I do? What should my congregation be doing?” In light of the news about the militarization of the police force, the prison industrial complex, and social inequities it seems that we must do something…often something new. And, often we are seeking out new and different ways of doing
After Amen
By Gimbiya Kettering After tragedy comes prayer. What comes after prayer? Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. —Romans 8:26 (KJV)For the past month, people have shared articles and