Community Conversations

October 23, 2020

Last night we had our first zoom community conversation with members of the Triumph Church, a predominately black church with whom we are beginning a partnership in ministry. Members of our Community Church and the Triumph Church served on a panel, answering questions about themselves, their experiences of racism, and what Scripture verses strengthen and sustain their faith. One question stood out for me, as a Triumph member asked: If you, as a white person could trade places with me, would you do so? A member of Community Church answered, no, that she would not want to live, always on guard, protecting her children and herself from undeserved looks, put-downs, and even violence. A member of Triumph challenged all of us to take a first step toward dismantling racism, by treating each and every child as they were beautiful and capable of genius, as equally beloved children of God.

It was a powerful conversation, full of honesty, passion, gratitude and grace. And it was only the first conversation. I look forward to more conversations with our sisters and brothers in faith, as we build relationships together in Christ. I hope you will join us next time.

As Scripture reminds us, “What does the Lord require of you? Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8).

As we seek to do what the Lord requires of us, we humbly pray for God to lead us, guide us, and walk with us into this new way of seeing and living. Let us pray:

God of justice and mercy,

In your wisdom you create all people in your image, without exception.

Through your goodness, open our eyes to see the dignity, beauty, and worth of every human being.

Open our minds to understand that all your children are sisters and brothers in the same human family.

Open our hearts to repent of racist attitudes, behaviors, and speech which demean others.

Open our ears to hear the cries of those wounded by racial discrimination, and their passionate appeals for change.

Strengthen our resolve to make amends for past injustices and to right the wrongs of history.

And fill us with courage that we might seek to heal wounds, build bridges, forgive and be forgiven, and establish peace and equality in our communities.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

(Prayer for Racial Healing from Catholic Charities USA)