Anti-Racism Resources & Synod Work Towards Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Pacifica Synod’s Work toward Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
The May 2016 Pacifica Synod Assembly adopted a “Resolution to Confront Racism and White Privilege.” This work was initiated with the formation of the “Pacifica Synod Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group” (later renamed the “Anti-Racism Team”) to: “Identify and share high quality educational tools and events to raise awareness of racism, white privilege, and Christ-centered paths to liberation of oneself, church and society”; Guide “the Pacifica Synod of the ELCA to offer support for multicultural and multilingual ministry to engage and integrate congregations and leaders with nearby populations and to commit itself to provide accessible and affordable synod assembly and education events to less affluent leaders and congregations”;
Support the Pacifica Synod to “bear persistent public witness in solidarity with oppressed people in this and other countries for the transformation of society toward the domination-free reign of God in Christ.” Since then, we have held workshops at synod assembly and half-day seminars for church leaders to hear first-hand stories of our synod and regions and to grow awareness of racism and white privilege among the unique populations whom we serve.
During 2020 and 2021, several of our conferences held online book studies of the book Dialogues on Race. In October 2021, a multi-day, anti-racism training event was held at Luther Glen for both rostered and lay leaders. Currently, members of our team host a monthly hybrid event called the “People’s Roundtable on Anti-Racism” on the fourth Sunday of the month, from 2-4 p.m. PDT at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fullerton AND over Zoom. This discussion group is led by Jim Tyler and Sarah Tees. To receive the Zoom link to join, please email Sarah Tees at sarahtees@hotmail.com.
If you are interested in anti-racism and authentic diversity work in the synod or your congregation, please reach out to connect with Desta Goehner at Desta@PacificaSynod.org.
Anti-Racism Resources and Websites (Books, Videos, Articles, Podcasts, etc.)
In 2019, at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, voting members adopted a resolution designating June 17 as a commemoration of the martyrdom of the Emanuel 9—the nine people shot and killed on June 17, 2015, during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C. Congregations of the ELCA are encouraged to mark this day of penitence with study and prayer.
As church we are called to confess the sin of racism, condemn the ideology of white supremacy, and strive for racial justice and peace. Beyond statements and prayers, we are called to also act and respond to injustices. We invite you to visit the ELCA Anti-Racism Pledge web page to learn more about the pledge and commit to one or more of the actions listed.
Desta Ronning Goehner is a spiritual director, lay leader, and lifelong Lutheran with nearly three decades of ministry experience across multiple expressions of church. She has served in congregational youth ministry, with Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences (LRCC), the Southwest California Synod staff, California Lutheran University, and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.
Most recently, Goehner served as Director of Thriving Leadership Formation, supporting pastoral and lay leaders in leadership and spiritual formation. Grounded in the values of collective belonging, authentic presence, and sustainable change, her approach integrates spiritual practices, relational wisdom, and inclusive leadership. With experience in trauma-informed leadership, conflict mediation, and nonviolent communication, she brings a deeply compassionate and justice-rooted lens to all her work. Click here to email Desta to start or continue the conversation about anti-racism work within your context.
