“It is our responsibility as persons of faith, and particularly as followers of Jesus in the Methodist tradition, to address the pervasive pandemic of racism. Racism refuses to see the image of God in every human person, and fails to love others as God does. It divides and diminishes rather than recognizing the beauty of our common humanity in its rich diversity and our shared destiny as a human community. To work against racism is not a tangential “social issue” but is deeply spiritual work, work integral to our walk with Jesus.”
Bishop David Bard, Interim Bishop, Minnesota Conference
The Minnesota Conference Appointive Cabinet has released a statement on racial justice and reconciliation that lists specific commitments and actions members will take to acknowledge the sins of racism and injustice and work to transform our Church, our Conference, our communities, and our world into the “beloved” community.
This was a six-week series with a new video added each week that was filmed in Summer 2020.
Jesús Purisaca Ruiz, who serves Iglesia Piedra Viva in Minneapolis, talks about how the kingdom of God is justice and we must not be silent when we witness discrimination.
Rev. Dana Neuhauser, a deacon who serves New City Church in Minneapolis, talks about how she’s called to equip congregations to engage in long-term racial justice work and dismantle white supremacy—how it lives in our bodies as well as our institutions and systems.
Rev. Dr. Shawn Moore, who serves Living Spirit UMC in Minneapolis, talks about the skin he's in, the heaviness that our community is experiencing, and how he's called to show up, listen, be the hands and feet of Christ, and work for racial reconciliation.
Rev. Tyler Sit, who serves New City Church in Minneapolis, talks about how we follow Jesus best when we are anti-racist. He calls on United Methodists to make anti-racism part of their faith practice and to attend to it weekly in order to build the kingdom of God.
Rev. Rich Zeck talks about hearing personal accounts of racism from the men of color in his congregation, his firm belief that God is with us, and feeling called to stand in his discomfort as he ministers to neighbors and helps rebuild.
Rev. Frenchye Magee shares how the murder of George Floyd was a seminal moment, what she has seen and learned, and how she's called to help her congregation work for racial justice.
Native American ministry in the Minnesota Conference: Hurts, hopes, and how you can partner (April 2023)
New director of equity brings passion, experience to conference (January 2023)
Pilgrimage sheds light on harm to Native Americans (Oct. 2022)
Racial justice grants help churches learn, listen, grow (June 9, 2022)
A look at racial diversity within the Minnesota Conference (May 19, 2022)
‘I wasn’t breathing’: Tragedy leads to trauma ministry, book (June 3, 2021)
Racial Justice Organizer Joins Conference Staff (May 13, 2021)
Chauvin verdict met with relief, resolve among Twin Cities clergy (April 22, 2021)
Healing the hurt in Brooklyn Center: How you can help (April 15, 2021)
MN Church and Society Offers racial justice grants (Oct. 29, 2020)
Reach Across: Crossing social and cultural differences to proclaim the good news (Oct. 29, 2020)
$20K grant to provide community aid in wake of George Floyd’s death (July 9, 2020)
Churches continue to play vital role in Twin Cities response efforts (June 11, 2020)
Clergy march for justice, stand in solidarity (June 4, 2020)
Churches on front lines feed, clean up, offer space (June 4, 2020)
Twin Cities response: How you can help (June 2, 2020)
Online prayer vigil offers lament, call to action after death of George Floyd (May 28, 2020)
Iglesia Piedra Viva celebrates Driver’s Licenses for All legislation after years of advocacy (March 2, 2023)
Change starts with me by Rev. Judy Zabel (February 9, 2023)
Black History Month: Hurt, healing, and holy moments By Bishop Lanette Plambeck (February 2, 2023)
Helping teens resist oppression online by Rev. Dana Neuhauser (June 29, 2022)
Juneteenth: What you should know by Pastor Yolanda Y. Williams (June 15, 2022)
Race and racism: What to do when you say the wrong thing by Rev. Dana Neuhauser (March 16, 2022)
Paving the way for racially integrated churches by Heidi Heller (Jan. 25, 2022)
Books that can build empathy for BIPOC communities by Rev. Dana Neuhauser (Jan. 20, 2022)
Celebrating Martin Luther King Day by Bishop David Bard (Jan. 17, 2021)
Being a better anti-racist by Rev. Laquaan Malachi (June 18, 2020)
Police reform must involve reconciliation by Rev. Dr. Shawn R. Moore (June 11, 2020)
'A very long, very loud existential scream' PBS News Hour segment featuring Rev. Frenchye Magee (June 6. 2020)
Do not look away! by Rev. Dr. Ronald Bell Jr. (June 4, 2020)
Thoughts from the inside and outside by Rev. Dr. Shawn R. Moore (June 4, 2020)
Bishop's pastoral letter on killing of Amir Locke (Feb. 6, 2022)
Bishop's pastoral letter: Breathe, work, pray (April 20, 2021)
Bishop's pastoral letter: Repairing the breach, restoring the streets (April 13, 2021)
Bishop's pastoral letter on violence against Asian-Americans (March 19, 2021)
North Central Jurisdiction bishops make commitment to anti-racism (June 12)
Giving breath and voice to cries for justice (May 31)
Bishop's statement on the death of George Floyd (May 27)
MN Church and Society Offers racial justice grants: This grant of up to $300 will help members of your church purchase books for a small (or large) group study on racial justice.
General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) Resources: Practical resources and support for those seeking to engage and embrace cultural diversity. These resources are suited for use in a Sunday school class, church small group, and for personal development. Good resources to start with include:
25 Questions from a South Minneapolis Pastor During the George Floyd Uprising: Rev. Tyler Sit of New City Church encourages everyone to think through your response to these questions in your own context and to start having these conversations in your community, "because if this hasn’t happened in your neighborhood already, it certainly can."
Discipleship Ministries Anti-Racism Resources: These resources will help churches address the topics of racism, systemic oppression, violence, and more. They are geared for church leaders, worship planners, and pastors.
106 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
Anti-Racism Resources: Includes books, films, podcasts, resources for parents, and organizations to follow.
Combating Racism and Raising Compassionate Children Resources for Teens and Children / Resources for Adults: Includes curriculums, books, and other resources compiled by The Ministry Lab.
Talking With Children and Teens about Trauma: Includes surveys to help identify trauma or PTSD in children, teens, and adults; tips on talking about big emotions; and mindfulness tools. The Ministry Lab has compiled this list.
Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
122 West Franklin Avenue, Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 870-0058