Racial Reconciliation Movement

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The Racial Reconciling Movement is driven by the Commission on Religion and Race (CORR) of Minnesota United Methodist Church.

Many of us easily acknowledge that racism is a problem, and would like to help, but there is no easy guide book on steps to take. Taking part in this Movement is the way to help.

Fighting Racism is a primary directive

Before it sets structure or governance, the constitution of the United Methodist Church,

• Proclaims the value of each person as a unique child of God.
• Recognizes that the sin of racism has been destructive to its unity throughout its history.
• Acknowledges Racism continues to cause painful division and marginalization.
• Declares The UMC shall confront and seek to eliminate racism, whether in organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society at large.

(Statements from Article V, Constitution of the United Methodist)

Every congregation can take action

This movement is not about integration—finding was to make our congregations more diverse—this is a movement about justice for all people, regardless of who is sitting in our pews. 

Just as you do not need to have cancer to know it is bad, you do not need to be in a racially diverse area to know that racism is a problem. Fighting racism (or any social injustice) is done through:

• Relationships: reaching beyond our walls (personal and congregational) to hear the voices and get to know people who are not like ourselves
• Actionable education: learning about the problem and the steps that can be taken – reading the book or watching the movie and then asking “what are we, what am I, going to do about it”
• Raising awareness: educating ourselves and those around us to recognize acts of discrimination and racism, calling attention to these acts and demanding the perpetrator stop, and change their behavior.

Getting Involved

• Meet with congregational leaders, introduce the movement to your congregation
• Commit to the covenant
• Complete the assessment
• Create a plan of action (coaches are available, and recommended, to help you succeed)
• Participate in gatherings with movement members

Start with where you are and take steps forward on the continuum. Do not be daunted by how far we have to go, celebrate the progress made by reoccurring evaluation.

Resources

Tri-fold brochure with info on the Racial Reconciling Movement that you may download and print

Racial Reconciling Covenant

Racial and Ethnic Awareness Assessment

Contact

For more information, questions, or connections, contact Rev. Dana Newuhauser, Minister of Public Witness at New City Church in Minneapolis and Racial Justice Organizer for the Minnesota Conference at dana.neuhauser@minnesotaumc.org