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April 7, 2008
Peacemaking Program highlights resources to aid dialogue on race-related issues
Materials suggested in wake of Barack Obama’s speech
LOUISVILLE — With Sen. Barack Obama’s recent speech on race reigniting conversations about the issue in the United States, the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program is suggesting several print resources and study opportunities to help Presbyterians engage in dialogues surrounding the sensitive subject.
Some past sermons by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the man who Obama once called his spiritual mentor, came under scrutiny last month when a news report highlighted excerpts that included racially charged remarks.
Wright retired from Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ earlier this year, before the controversy erupted.
Obama, (D-IL) a longtime friend of Wright’s and a member of his church for two decades, has repeatedly denounced the remarks, but refused to denounce the minister himself.
In a March 18 speech in Philadelphia — Obama’s most pointed of his presidential campaign — he confronted the nation’s legacy of racial division head-on, tackling black grievance, white resentment and the uproar over his former pastor’s statements.
“Senator Obama’s historic speech provides an invitation to the nation to renew our efforts to address racism,” said the Rev. Mark Koenig, Presbyterian Peacemaking Program Coordinator. “The Presbyterian Church provides a number of resources and study opportunities for Presbyterians who would work to overcome racial prejudice, dismantle institutional racism and build the beloved community for all God’s children.”
Print resources
Print resources can be ordered through Presbyterian Distribution Service (PDS) by calling toll- free 800-524-2612.
- “Facing Racism: A Vision of the Beloved Community” (1999) The report of the Initiative Team on Racism and Racial Violence, approved by the 211th General Assembly in 1999 as the PC(USA)’s comprehensive policy document on racism. The report is available as a free download or by calling PDS and requesting item number OGA99033.
- “Living the Gospel of Peace: Tools for Building More Inclusive Community” This six-session study teaches communication guidelines, mutual invitation, community bible study, and power analysis and explores how to use these tools to build community in the face of racism and other factors that divide people. PDS item number 7027004014.
- “Facing Racism: In Search of the Beloved Community” This five-session study for youth was developed to help youth confront racism and work to build the “beloved community.” PDS item number 7027098002.
- Confession of Belhar The General Assembly has commended Confession of Belhar as a “resource for reflection, study, and response, as a means of deepening the commitment of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to dealing with racism and a means of strengthening its unity, bearing in mind that the Belhar Confession emerged from the context of racism in South Africa.” The PC(USA)’s Office of Theology and Worship has posted the Belhar confession and a related study guide.
Study opportunities
The Fifth Annual Multicultural Church Institute at Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center Aug. 4-10 in Abiquiu, NM, will include two seminars to develop and refine skills for use in dialogue on issues of race and racism.
The PC(USA)’s Office of Racial Justice Advocacy, Racial Ethnic Young Women Together, and the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program have partnered to design these seminars, which are:
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