Resources on the Church’s Response to Racism


Where does our congregation stand on issues surrounding racism?

What does the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America teach about racism?

ELCA Social Statements, News Releases, and other Resources

News Release: ELCA Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Racism and White Supremacy (5/29/2020) HERE

Condemnation of White Supremacy and Racist Rhetoric (ELCA Social Policy Resolution, 2019) HERE

Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture (ELCA Social Statement, 1993) HERE

ELCA Racial Justice Resources Page HERE

Response by the Trinity Church Council

Council’s condemnation of racism and white supremacy, passed unanimously on Monday, June 8 with the strong support of members of Trinity who participated in Dialogues on Race in the Fall of 2019.  HERE

BOOKS

Understanding and Dismantling Racism: The Twenty-First Century Challenge to White America, Joseph Barndt (Augsburg Fortress, 2007) HERE

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, Robin DeAngelo (Beacon Press, 2018) HERE

Dialogues on Race (Augsburg Fortress, 2019) HERE

Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the USA, Rev. Lenny Duncan (ELCA rostered pastor) (Fortress Press, 2019) HERE

PRAYERS

God, our refuge and strength, you have bound us together in a common life. In all our conflicts, help us to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, to listen for your voice amid competing claims, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (ELW, p 76)

O God, where hearts are fearful and constricted, grant courage and hope. Where anxiety is infectious and widening, grant peace and reassurance. Where impossibilities close every door and window, grant imagination and resistance. Where distrust twists our thinking, grant healing and illumination. Where spirits are daunted and weakened, grant soaring wings and strengthened dreams. All these things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (ELW, p 76)