This past Saturday, I joined a couple dozen folks from all around the Southern Ohio Synod as we gathered in the Fellowship Hall for the Seeing Race Through Faith event. To start off the morning, our moderators handed each person a statement to read out loud to the group. These statements came from a variety of leaders and famous personalities, from Martin Luther to Megyn Kelly to Hillary Rodham Clinton. Unfortunately, the theme that tied the statements together was racism. Some of the statements were so atrocious that folks could barely stand to read them. In speaking of ‘super-predator gang teens’ and ‘burn the homes of Jews to the ground,’ the discomfort in the room was palpable.
Then the question was asked: How are you different from the sentiments in these statements? People shared their stories and what a variety there were. One person grew up ‘color-blind’ – in a culture where identifying a person by skin tone just didn’t happen. Some had racist parents, but recognized at an early age that they didn’t share that belief. Others shared stories of the welcome, or lack of one, that came when a family member married someone ‘different.’ It was interesting to hear the stories and I’m especially grateful to those who shared stories of what it was like to encounter explicit or implicit bias.
With our histories grounding us, we explored scenarios, based on actual events, about bias encountered during church life. We talked about how this happens even with the most well-meaning people. We talked about what actions we can take to ensure our church communities are truly welcoming to everyone. Do you see any racial or cultural biases at Lord of Life that might prevent someone from feeling welcome and included? If so, we would love to hear your insight. Please talk with a member of the church staff or council leadership.
Training and conversation at events like this one are effective in identifying hidden bias. If you would like to explore this topic, the Synod has scheduled another training session of Seeing Race Through Faith on May 4 in Springfield. You can register on the Synod website at www.southernohiosynod.org/aws/SOS/pt/sp/events.
I would like to thank the Southern Ohio Synod for providing this event and our moderators Paisha Thomas and Gabrielle Hudecek for putting on an excellent program and sharing so much of their own experiences. Paisha closed our day with prayer:
Wake me up Lord,
so that the evil of racism finds no home within me.
Keep watch over my heart Lord,
and remove from me any barriers to your grace,
that may oppress and offend my brothers and sisters.
Fill my spirit Lord,
so that I may give services of justice and peace.
Clear my mind Lord,
and use it for your glory.
And finally, remind us Lord that you said,
"blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God."
Amen.
Cara Hasselbeck