Facing Racism: A Vision of the Intercultural Community
Led by Shannon Dooling-Cain

October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Witherspoon Rooms 12/13

This is a continuing study through October using materials provided by PCUSA’s Racial Equity & Women’s Ministries that explores the Biblical imperative to work against racism in our churches, communities, and country. Rooted in scripture, we will discuss the history and legacy of racism in the church and in the United States, and start to unpack some of the contemporary issues surrounding racial justice today. Above all, we will seek new ways to create a world that more closely reflects God’s love of justice and diversity. We welcome your questions, perspectives, and insights as we humble ourselves to learn more about this important topic. Bring an open heart and desire to listen and reflect!

Please join us! You are ALWAYS welcome!

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Week 7 (October 24, 2021) The Beloved Community

We explore Martin Luther King Jr.’s notion of “Beloved Community,” a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one’s fellow human beings. How does Immanuel model the idea of Beloved Community, and where can we grow deeper in our commitments to justice, equality, and love.

Week 8 (October 31, 2021) Moving forward, together.

We work to create an action plan that will guide Immanuel in our quest to work against racism in our community and embody The Beloved Community.

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Questions about Adult Education? Want to get involved?
Contact: Kris Goorsky, Director of Christian Formation, kris@immanuelpc.org

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Previous Classes:

Week 1 (September 12, 2021) The Biblical Imperative to Work Against Racism

We explore four Biblical themes which call us to work against racism in our hearts, churches, and communities: The rich complexity of God’s creation, His love of justice, His love of diversity, and that we are all made in His image.

Weeks 2 and 3 (September 19 and 26, 2021) What is Racism?

We take a look at the history and definitions of important terms related to racism, with a focus on system racism and the ways that inequality is built into institutions and systems within society. (This video provides a helpful overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrHIQIO_bdQ)

Week 4 (October 3, 2021) The Legacy of Systemic Racism in the United States

We examine specific examples of systemic racism in the United States, and explore the impact of racism today. How does racism affect our economic, legal, and education systems?

Week 5 (October 10, 2021) Implicit Bias and Prejudice

We think about the ways that bias, prejudice, and bigotry can infiltrate our hearts and minds, in spite of our best efforts. How do these impact our decision making, relationships, and interactions in our church and community? How can we work against this often subtle or even unconscious perception of other people based on race?

Week 6 (October 17, 2021) Racism in the Church

We look at ways that the church has been complicit in racism, and how the church has responded to racism.

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