Photo by Jamelle Bouie
ReconcilingWorks urges all of our members and partners in ministry to observe “Confession, Repentance and Commitment to End Racism Sunday” this Sunday, September 6. This special Sunday worship theme has been encouraged by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton as a response to a recent call to action from the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
ReconcilingWorks greatly appreciates the opportunity to share in the work of the ELCA to confront the many ways racism manifests within both church and society. Confessing, praying, and working together, congregations across North America are called together to commit to dismantling injustice based on race.
The ELCA has provided resources for worship. See their website at www.ELCA.org/resources/worship, press the “Liturgy” tab, and then select the “End Racism Sunday” document. Additional resources for worship are located at the bottom of this email.
For more information on Bishop Eaton’s request for prayer and commitment to end racism, please see http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7771
At the Until All Are Free assembly held in early August, keynote speaker Dr. Sharon Groves expressed our need for confession well. “We have to look at the truth that many of us in the LGBTQ justice community have not cared a whole lot about those on the margins of our community,” she said. “Who have we closed our minds and our hearts to in the interest of justice for some?”
Please consider observing “Confession, Repentance and Commitment to End Racism Sunday” on September 6.
Resources for “Confession, Repentance, and commitment to End Racism Sunday”
A Litany For Those Who Aren’t Ready For Healing by Yolanda Pierce:
http://yolandapierce.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-litany-for-those-who-arent-ready-for.html
Prayers for Racial Justice Sunday (United Church of Christ):
http://www.ucc.org/worship_worship-ways
AFTER THE VIGILS, VIGILANCE! by Bishop Adam J. Richardson Jr.:
http://www.ucc.org/worship_worship-ways
ELCA Worship Resources for “Confession, Repentance and Commitment to End Racism Sunday”: