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DISCIPLES ADVOCACY and WITNESS NETWORK
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THE ANTIRACISM PRORECONCILIATION INITIATIVE
BACKGROUND |
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WHAT IS RACISM?
Racism is a demonic power that distorts and destroys everything it touches. In the church it divides the family of God against itself and undermines the unity and mission of Christians. It leads believers to dehumanize other children of God based on the color of their skin, and encourages Christians to devalue the ethnic and cultural heritage of a particular group of people. |
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LEVELS of RACISM
It is important to recognize that there are three levels to consider when we want to define racism accurately and begin seriously strategizing for change.
The first level involves the distinction between individual and institutional racism. For example, a person racially prejudiced against another is an individual with race-based attitudes and biases. These personal attitudes are against the grain of the gospel, and are detrimental and harmful when they negatively affect the well being of others. However, this personal form of discrimination is not racism per say but rather individual prejudice based on race. Unfortunately, individual racist attitudes are enforced and emboldened by institutions making it more harmful and difficult to detect.
A deeper and more thorough analysis of racism is therefore needed to detect and confront the second level, that is, institutional racism. By understanding how institutions have historically privileged one group over another, through formal and informal policies and practices, we can begin to dismantle the systemic effects of racism.
Another level and equally pervasive form of racism is found in culture. Here, language, music, behavior, the arts and other forms of human expression are adversely shaped by socially endorsed notions of racial superiority and racial inferiority.
All three levels of racism diminish human dignity and frustrate the way God intended us to relate to one another as equally valued children of God. |
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WHAT IS ANTIRACISM?
For some the term 'antiracism' is too harsh and negative, while for others it is most fitting because it captures our opposition against this sin that is so ingrained in church and society. The term 'antiracism' is used as a process of removing the structural bases that promote racism in order to arrive at the true reconciliation gained by Christ. It also means challenging the misuse of power by institutions where one group is privileged over another based on race. In short, antiracism is a process of teaching and organizing that seeks to transform institutional values by affirming and promoting all Christians as members of Godís united family of diverse individuals. |
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BECOMING AN ANTIRACIST, PRORECONCILING INSTITUTION
The dictum "racism cannot be trained away" captures the belief that prayer and organizing, rather than simply raising awareness or increasing cultural sensitivity, is central to institutional change. In order to effectively dismantle institutional racism it is necessary to have a common analysis and to work both faithfully and collaboratively. Since institutions were not built over-night, dismantling institutional racism will require the necessary time honestly to seek God's wiil, carefully plan, effectively organize and faithfully implement our plan for systemic change.
Along with other denominations and communities of faith, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is in the process of implementing change from within towards becoming an antiracist, proreconciling denomination. Antiracism teams have been organized in our regions and national offices, with the task of adjusting their mission statements, planning documents and strategic thinking. This process has also been extended to congregations that feel a need to challenge racism in an effective manner. |
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