Erin Hawkins is the General Secretary of the United Methodist Church's General Commission on Race and Religion. In this reflection, she shares how we can counter and dismantle systematic racism.
"Sharing Our Stories" - The Realities of Being Young and a Person of Color (Panel One)
Panel One (L-R) - Mr. Jonathan Pulphus, Rev. Brandon Smith, Rev. Staccato K. Powell, Rev. Hannah Bonner, Rev. Waltrina Middleton
Rev. Dr. Staccato Powell - Moderator
Mr. Jonathan Pulphus
Rev. Brandon Smith
Rev. Staccato K. Powell
Rev. Hannah Bonner
Rev. Waltrina Middleton
Truth to Power: Eradicating Racism
Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC), an ecumenical group of 10 denominations ― plus the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as a “partner” ― has issued a statement offering consolation to the family of murdered Florida teenager Trayvon Martin and calling for “an expedient and unbiased investigation” into his death at the hands of a neighborhood watch captain in Sanford, Fla.
In January of 2002, during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, nine Christian communions will inaugurate a new relationship with each other called Churches Uniting in Christ. As the first step in this journey toward unity, we issue this appeal to every member of our churches, “that we all may be one” (John 17:22).
"Racism is a church-dividing, faith-denying and community-destroying reality that must be eradicated. It is an evil practice among individuals, churches and nations. Racism is a sin and without repentance it is unto death. CUIC provides a unique opportunity for the ecumenical community to embrace with enthusiasm and excitement a new future, devoid of the baggage of racism, where we exercise mutual respect and equal regard."
The Right Reverend McKinley Young
Former Vice President, COCU
CUIC Transition Committee
Presiding Bishop (2002)
10th District African Methodist Episcopal Church