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Anti-Racism

Our faith in Jesus Christ leads us to address racism as a theological issue, not a political one, by actively addressing structures, policies, ideas, and practices that create inequities because of the color of one’s skin. It compels us, both individually and as a congregation, to actively eliminate racism in ourselves, our church, our community, and the world around us.

At the same time that the sanctuary was renovated, a task force was formed to delve into our church’s racial history. Their work resulted in the creation of the History Hallway. The Anti-racism subcommittee is now using that historical display to draw attention to FPC’s role in inequities in the past, and to help discern the church’s role going forward. In addition, the Anti-racism subcommittee has developed an “Advancing Racial Equity Framework” for teams to use in assessing their areas for improvement.  

The History Hallway

Within the hallway and linked below, you can find a photograph and brief biographical information for each senior minister. The biographies include both positive actions as well as – truthfully – those that show human failings, particularly in the area of race. The Hallway also contains a Repentance and Resurrection statement in the context of scripture and a dedication conveyed and brought to life by a work of art. The statement references our church’s history, rooted in our faith and the history of our city, and our hope for the future.

Featured Resources

Type of Resource

Time Requirement

Article

Being Antiracist

Anti-Racism

A comprehensive article with strategies about why and how to strive to be antiracist. From the National Museum of African-American History and Culture.

10-30 minutes

Podcast/Audio File

She made civil rights history in Selma. Now, she guides visitors through its past

Anti-Racism

Meet the "bossy grandmother," a civil rights foot soldier who was 11 when she crossed the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma in 1963.

10-30 minutes

Book

The First Ladies

Anti-Racism

"A novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unlikely friendship that changed the world, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian."

60+ minutes

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Take Action

Here you will find ways to begin working toward being anti-racist.