Journey Toward Racial Reconcilation

Journeying Toward Racial Reconciliation

Written By: Rev. Cathy Sweeney

In 2020, The North Texas Conference of the UMC began a pilot program called "Journey Toward Racial Justice." The goal of the program is to address three areas in which each church should strive to become fully immersed in racial justice:

• Vital Conversations

• Intercultural Competence

• Institutional Equity

The Arapaho UMC community has, for a long time, had a heart toward racial reconciliation and justice. What the conference staff has offered is a structure around which we can continue to grow in love for our neighbor.

Knowing that each church grows in a unique context, the conference staff challenged each church community that wished to engage in this work to develop steps toward addressing racial justice. Using the "Journey Toward Racial Justice" resource manual provided by the conference, Arapaho staff invited approximately 20 individuals associated with the community to join in this journey, starting September 19. We will be meeting on a regular basis throughout the fall, to learn more about each other, work through the "Color of Compromise" study, and developing our community understanding and goals toward this program.

Starting a new program is not always easy, and especially when funds are needed to supplement each individual with programming materials. In addition, as we develop our goals, we expect to have future opportunities identified to partner with Hamilton Park UMC and continue our sibling relationship with them.

The AUMC pilot team is meeting throughout the fall of 2021 and looking toward further integration for the entire church community in 2022.

If you are interested in learning more, contact Rev. Cathy Sweeney.