Pacifica Synod, ELCA

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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” to:

  1. “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”;
  2. 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”;
  3. 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. Since the pandemic led to a disruption of in-person events in 2020, we are in the process of developing online resources and rescheduling of the April 2020 in-person anti-racism training, tentatively planned for summer or fall of 2021.

On June 15, Bishop Andy Taylor shared the following letter with members and friends of the Pacifica Synod – From the Bishop – An Invitation to Work Together for Social Justice

Pacifica Synod Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Working Group Members

Pastor Lara Martin, Co-Chair – pastorlaramartin@gmail.com
Pastor Darin Johnson, Co-Chair
Pastor John Barton
Pastor Rick Fry – ascensionpastorfry@gmail.com
Nicolette Rohr
James Tyler – jimjr2010@outlook.com
Terri Robertson – terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org

If you would like to become involved in multicultural ministry and anti-oppression work, please contact one of the co-chairs of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, Pastor Lara Martin at pastorlaramartin@gmail.com.

Take the ELCA’s Anti-Racism Pledge Today!

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.

Anti-Racism Resources and Websites
(Books, Videos, Articles, Podcasts, etc.)

We will continue to add resources to the list below, so check back often. If you have resources to recommend or would like to share stories about how you or your congregation are currently working towards equity, diversity and inclusion, please contact Pastor Lara Martin at the email address listed above.

ELCA Resources

ELCA Racial Justice Resources

ELCA Racial Justice Reports and Social Statements

ELCA Racial Justice Blog

ELCA Emanuel Nine Resources

Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent and Response – ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2019

Resources for Adults

Article – How Systemic Racism Adapts and Evolves – LA Progressive

Resources for Faithful Justice – InterVarsity Press

Book – The Invention of The White Race (Volumes 1 and 2) – Theodore W. Allen (Book Review)

Book – Birth of A White Nation: The Invention of White People and Its Relevance Today – Jacqueline Battalora
This book serves as a good updated companion to the book by Allen (listed above) – James Tyler, Jr.

Reading List – White Nation Reading List by James Tyler, Jr.

Book – Faith-Rooted Organizing – Rev. Alexia Salvatierra and Peter Heltzel

Book – How to be an Antiracist – Ibram X. Kendi

Book – Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the US – Rev. Lenny Duncan

Book – White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism – Robin DiAngelo

Book – So You Want to Talk About Race – Ijeoma Oluo

Book – Luther’s Small Catechism with African Descent Reflections – Augsburg Fortress

Book – Parable of the Brown Girl: The Sacred Lives of Girls of Color – Khristi Lauren Adams

Small Group Series – Dialogue on Race – Sparkhouse

Online Course – Spirituality and Racial Justice – Bishop Michael Curry

Advocacy Toolkit – Joanna Watson, Resourcing Organizations with Opportunities for Transformation and Sharing (ROOTS)

Article – 75 Things for White People to do to be Anti-Racist Allies during the COVID-19 quarantine – Karen Geiger

Resources for Children

TV Program – CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall on Racism for Kids and Families

Article – Talking About Race & Racism with Children – Christine V. Hides

Article (Living Lutheran) – How to Talk to Kids About Race – Judith Roberts

Podcast – Talking Race with Young Children

Podcast – Wait, is my Toddler Racist?

Resources for Youth

Curriculum – ELCA 2015 Youth Gathering – Together We Rise: Getting Ready Resource

Various – ELCA Faith Formation Racial Awareness Resources

Curriculum – George Floyd, Racism and Law Enforcement (English/Spanish) – Anti-Defamation League

Movies/Discussion Guides

Just Mercy

  • Just Mercy Movie
  • Just Mercy Book
  • Just Mercy Discussion Questions

Emanuel Nine

  • Emanuel Nine Movie
  • Emanuel Nine Discussion Guide
  • Emanuel Nine Discussion Questions

13th

  • 13th Documentary
  • 13th Film Discussion Guide

Other Websites

African Descent Lutheran Association – ELCA

National Council of Churches Anti-Racism Resources

ELCA Advocacy

Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California

Recent News

  • Administrative Assistant (Part-Time) – Christ, San Diego
  • “Now is the Time” Study Series Begins August 17
  • Job Posting: Communications Director – Southwest CA & Pacifica Synods
  • Theoasis 2022 Registration Now Open!
  • From the Bishop Emeritus – Farewell Letter

Pacifica Synod, ELCA

Office of the Bishop
1801 Park Court Place Bldg. C
Santa Ana, CA 92701-5010

p. 714.692.2791
office@pacificasynod.org

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A Reconciling in Christ Synod Since 1993

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