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
Black and Hispanic People Face a Higher Risk of Death After Surgery
Website on three legacy sites in Montgomery AL
The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy, and the Path to a Shared American Future
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Take Action
Here you will find ways to begin working toward being anti-racist.
Join the FPC tour of key civil rights sites
April 18 – 21, 2024
Visit key sites in Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham AL on this civil rights tour, led by Larry Bosc | More info
Visit the exhibit, States of Incarceration, at the Levine Museum of the New South
“…a national traveling multimedia exhibition that delves into the history of incarceration by focusing on human stories from over 30 different local communities across the U.S., including Charlotte, North Carolina,” per the LMNS website | More info
Take a Dismantling Racism course from the Racial Equity Institute.
November 15-16, 2023
Take a Dismantling Racism course from the Racial Equity Institute. Myers Park UMC is offering one soon. The Racial Equity Institute offers excellent community-wide courses that provide historical context for racial issues. | More info