First United Methodist Church | Anti-Racism Focus

Anti-Racism Focus aT First

In the wake of George Floyd's murder, in the summer of 2020 a team of people committed to anti-racism work surfaced here at First. Their goal is to further anti-racism and inclusion work so that its continued impact is embedded into the DNA of this congregation for generations to come. We believe this work is essential as noted in the Social Principles of the Book of Discipline and as encouraged by Bishop Bard of the Michigan Conference.

With sadness we acknowledge that we are a segregated faith community and commit ourselves to doing the work we need to do to further the expansive and inclusive kin-dom of God here on earth.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:2

Learning About Racial Justice

To this date these books and opportunities have been a part of First's commitment to learn about racial justice.

So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo (September-November 2020) Group Discussion questions created by Linda Burn and Rev. Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald
Anti Worship Series with "Continuing the Conversation" facilitated discussion groups afterward (January 3-24, 2021)
Reel to Real Conversations About Racism through movies (February 2021) created by Sonrisa Cortes, Student Director and Rev. Tania Dozeman.
21 Day Racial Equity Challenge with Hope Church through the Greater Ottawa County United Way (March 2021)
Spring Read: The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby (April 2021) Group Discussion Questions adapted by Linda Burn and Rev. Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson (coming Winter 2022)

Our next Step

During the summer of 2021, the staff, Anti-Racism team, and Leadership team are working with the Michigan Conference staff to take the Intercultural Development Plan. The IDI is an assessment to help individuals and organizations identify learning targets to strengthen their intercultural competency around such things as race, gender, age, and socioeconomic status. We look forward to offering this inventory to the entire congregation in the fall of 2021. To learn about the IDI, please click here.