Bishop Anne Edison-Albright
“Our church is engaged in the work of racial equity. We do this work for many reasons: primarily we acknowledge that racism is a sin that denies the reconciling work of the cross.”
Resources for
Racial Equity Work
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As a follow up to the two racial equity trainings that were offered in November, the racial equity team is looking to connect congregational liaisons who are working in racial equity. Check out “Contact and Partnerships” (below) to reach out to the team to identify who that may be in your context.
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Over the past 30 plus years (even some material prior to the ELCA merger) the church has created many documents that identify the position of the church.
Resources, Reports and Social Statements
https://elca.org/Resources/Racial-Justice#Resources
https://elca.org/Resources/Racial-Justice#Statements
Apologies, Declarations and Statements
• 1994 - Declaration of the ELCA to the Jewish Community
• 2016 - Renewed Action Regarding Racism Toward Lutherans of African Descent
• 2019 - Explanation of the Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent
• 2019 - Condemnation of White Supremacy and Racist Rhetoric
• 2019 - Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity
• 2021 - Statement on anti-Asian Racism
• 2021 - A Declaration of the ELCA to American Indian and Alaska Native People
• 2022 - A Declaration of the ELCA to the Muslim Community
How Strategic and Authentic is Our Diversity; A Call for Confession, Reflection and Healing Action
https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Strategy_Toward_Authentic_Diversity.pdf
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In 2021, 2022, and 2023 the ECSW Synod Assembly passed resolutions supporting the racial equity work with the synod – synod wide, churches, individuals and communities.
Look for the progress made in the synod/congregation change efforts.
Adopted in May 2022, the Synod Assembly committed To Work for Racial Equity. Read the Resolution here.
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Prayers, Books, Videos, and Resources
Prayer to Heal Racial Division - Prayer
An Invitation to Brave Space - Prayer/Invocation
Resources for an Anti-Racist Journey - Books, links, TED talks for communities at multiple entry points
Anti-Racism Resources - a book list curated by the racial equity team of the ECSW
Just Mercy Study Guide - small group companion to the book, “Just Mercy”
Explanation of the Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent
African Descent Ministries Homepage for the ELCA
Racial Justice Resources from the ELCA including the study, Now is the Time
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Grounded in God's love for all people, the ECSW Anti Racism Team seeks to provide resources to help you learn about racial equity and make useful connections to empower you and/or your congregation to act to end racism. Whether you are new to this work or have been involved for many years, we encourage you to start where you are and let us know how we can help.
Chairperson, Shirley Paulson
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The need for resources to keep this important work going is real. Read Bishop Anne’s letter inviting partnership through funding racial equity work in our synod. Give by sharing a check with the synod office or through this link to donate online, selecting “Racial Equity Donation.”
Racial Equity Team
In response to God’s creative love for all and call to live justly, the Racial Equity Team educates, equips, and empowers Individuals and congregations to act boldly to transform our ministries and communities by working for racial justice.
ECSW Racial Equity Team
Mission Statement
We all start Somewhere.
Hear from the Men’s group at St. John’s in Ashwaubenon about how they got their congregation started in the work of Racial Equity.
Brave Space.
Our synod is actively working on strategies for healing around the sin of racism.