Anti-Racism at St. Peter’s
“Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?”
From the beginning of our Christian journeys, we are called to work for justice and peace on behalf of all God’s people. We acknowledge the sin of racism in our communities and in our hearts. We commit to working to build awareness, to heal division, and to promote reconciliation. We hope that you will find resources here, which will be updated periodically, that enable you to deepen your participation in God’s saving and abundant life for all people.
Read & Learn
America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America by Jim Wallis, 2016
Living into God’s Dream: Dismantling Racism in America by Catherine Meeks, 2016
To Serve and Protect: The Police, Race, and the Episcopal Church in the Black Lives Matter Era by Gayle Fisher-Stewart, 2017
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin, 1963
Who Gets to Be Afraid in America? by Ibram X. Kendi, 2020
Watch & Listen
The 1619 Podcast from the New York Times (listen)
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi, on Spotify (listen)
Unlocking Us podcast by Brené Brown (listen)
The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II’s sermon delivered at Washington National Cathedral on June 14, 2020 (watch)
Racism and Corporate Evil by the Rev. Tim Keller (watch)
Deconstructing White Privilege with Dr. Robin DiAngelo (watch)
Participate
Love and Justice Bible Study: Deacon Catherine will be leading us in a three-part Bible study this month on the topic of Love and Justice. Join us as we continue the conversation on racism, justice, and our faith-formed response. Mondays: June 15, 22, 29 at 7:00 pm on Zoom. Click here to register!
Spirituality and Racial Justice: Learn about the spiritual dimensions and responsibilities inherent in building racial justice. Michael Curry, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, provides a sobering yet hopeful outlook on both the sin of racism and the reconciliation of working towards a more just world. This course, offered through ChurchNext, can be taken individually or in small groups. Click here for more information!
Pray
The Social Justice Bible Challenge, edited by Marek P. Zabriskie
The Book of Amos, Chapter 5 from The Message translation
Becoming Beloved Community resource from the Episcopal Church
24/7 Prayer International: George Floyd and the Tipping Point of a Nation
Anti-Racism Prayers from the Social Justice Resource Center
O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect into our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thanksgiving for the Diversity of Races and Cultures
Book of Common Prayer, page 840
Additional Resources
Here are some bibliographies of resources for further reading, watching, and listening:
Responding to Racist Violence from the Episcopal Church
Resources for Racial Reconciliation and Justice from the Episcopal Church
Anti-Racism Resources from Illustrated Ministry
Resources for talking with children about racism:
Resources for Talking about Race, Racism, and Racialized Violence with Kids from the Center for Racial Justice in Education
Books and Resources to Help Talk to Kids about Racism from the New York Times