Racial Justice Work

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"Racism—a mix of power, privilege, and prejudice—is sin, a violation of God’s intention for humanity."

"The resulting racial, ethnic, or cultural barriers deny the truth that all people are God’s creatures and, therefore, persons of dignity. Racism fractures and fragments both church and society. The Church confesses Christ, who has broken down the dividing wall. (Ephesians 2:14) Christ, our peace, has put an end to the hostility of race, ethnicity, gender, and economic class. The Church proclaims Christ, confident this good news sets at liberty those captive behind walls of hostility." (Luke 4:18)
—From the ELCA Social Statement on Race, Culture, and Ethnicity, Adopted in 1993

Join the Racial Justice Network

Are you committed to learn and grow in the area of racial justice? Will you work with others to listen and share?

Join the RJN network for a small annual fee which gives you access to educational opportunities and sharing groups in addition to providing financial support to the congregations of color in the North Carolina Synod.

A Land Acknowledgement

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The North Carolina Synod office is located on the original and ancestral homelands of the Catawba and Keyauwee people, and we acknowledge their presence here since time immemorial. We also wish to recognize and honor all our Indigenous siblings who have called and continue to call this land their home.

Read the full NC Synod Land Acknowledgment.
See Land Acknowledgment statements to be read prior to synod meetings.

Additionally, the NC Synod Council is asking congregations to make their own land acknowledgment honoring and naming the ancestral tribal land. Learn more from the resources below:

Orange Shirt Day—An Act of Holy Remembrance

An Act of Holy Remembrance

Dear North Carolina Synod, At its September meeting, the North Carolina Synod Council read from the letter shared by the ELCA American Indian/Alaska Native Association. ...

The Rev. Jack Russell, pastor of Living Waters, Cherokee, shares some sacred memories about residential boarding schools with Pastor Danielle DeNise.

ELCA Statements

This is the Day: We Are a Nation in Distress

Letter from ELCA Bishop Eaton – June 5, 2020

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Strategy For Authentic Diversity

ELCA – Adopted August 9, 2019

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Statement on Systemic Racism

North Carolina Council of Churches – June 2, 2020

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Statement on Protests Across the Country

National Council of Churches – June 5, 2020

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Statement on Racism in US

from the All Africa Council of Churches

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Church Must Combat Racism at the Grassroots

Lutheran World Federation featuring Bishop Patricia A. Davenport

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Resources and Studies

The Cross and the Lynching Tree: A Requiem for Ahmaud Arbery

The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr’s sermon preached May 17, 2020 followed by a panel discussion

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Becoming the Body of Christ – Condemning White Supremacy

Southeastern Synod ELCA-hosted webinar on May 21

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Poor People’s Campaign Rally

Link to page with broadcast June 20, 2020

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Racial Equity Tools

Tools, tips, research, ideas, and curricula to achieve racial equity

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Anti-Racism Resources for White People

by Sarah Sophie Flicker, Alyssa Klein, May 2020

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Racism: An Additional Curated List of Resources

by Sharon Ely Pearson – practical tools and ideas for families

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Making Difficult Conversations Easier

A Bibliography by Rev. Mary Hinkle Shore, Ph.D.

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Major Themes of Racial Justice

Documented by The Equal Justice Institute and Legacy Museum

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Biblical Advocacy 101

Christian Reformed Church

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White Privilege-Leader’s Guide

The Thoughtful Christian-Faithful living in a complex world

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Talking about Race

A guide from the National Museum of African-American History and Culture

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Day of Racial Healing

Day of Racial Healing

The ELCA observes the Day of Racial Healing annually on the Tuesday following the celebration of the birth of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Origins


2022 Day of Racial Healing: Tuesday, January 18, 2022

  • Members and congregations are encouraged to use the resources below in worship services on the Sunday prior to the Day of Racial Healing
  • The synod hosted a Day of Racial Healing virtual prayer service on January 18 | Watch Recording on Facebook

Liturgical Resources

Additional Resources

Additional Resources

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Strategy for Authentic Diversity

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Racial Justice Upcoming Events