ST. MARY'S IS TALKING ABOUT RACE:
We are living in extraordinary times. The dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racism have converged to create a crisis unlike anything we’ve seen in recent decades. As seriously as we are taking the coronavirus, we must also talk racism. This isn’t the first time we’ve addressed systemic racism at St. Mary’s, but this time feels different. There is a certain momentum that could make for real and lasting change. As for our part, if we are serious when we say that all people are created in God’s image, then it’s incumbent upon us to recognize and own the ways in which not all people have been treated as such. Anti-racism is a moral imperative. As white folk (not all of us, but most of us), we have work to do in educating ourselves about the ways in which racism still shapes the daily lives of our brothers and sisters of color, even if we don’t readily see it. That’s the most dangerous part of racism: the way it can transform itself to only be recognizable by those subject to it. What parts are we playing in perpetuating inequity without knowing it? How are we willingly or unwillingly continuing to contribute to the unChristian, sinful powers of racism? What are we going to do about it? These are the kinds of questions we’ll address in our new study. The books will be read in order from the top of the photo to the bottom. Between books, we’ll have guest speakers to help us break out of the safety of the book group, asking ourselves, “Now that we know this, what are we going to do with it?” Beginning on Tuesday, July 7, and for every two weeks thereafter, we’ll gather via Zoom to discuss what we are learning. For the first meeting, please have read section one (chapters 1-5) of Waking Up White by Debbie Irving. The full syllabus will be available in the coming weeks. Please register for the Zoom group by completing the Google Doc at the link below. Remember that this course is open to anyone who wants to participate. You don’t have to be a member of St. Mary’s. Peace and blessings for the work ahead, David+
Registration

JUN 11