Bishop Bard's Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Challenge

Bishop Bard, during the 2021 Annual Conference, issued the following challenge: “I invite every Michigan United Methodist congregation to engage in a study in the coming year dealing with intercultural competence, racism, or racial reckoning.”

Click here to read more from the ABAR Working Group about this challenge.

Not sure where to begin?
If you determine your congregation is ready to have a conversation about race and racism, we recommend these introductory resources:

Looking for more information? Check out our additional resources below or fill out this form to be contacted by a member of the ABAR Working Group.

Best Practices for Anti-Racism Work

The National Plan of Hispanic Ministry of The United Methodist Church taught, for many years, a process called “See. Discern. Act.” Based on the practices of Latin American base ecclesial communities in the late 20th century, it was a circular design process for creating new ministries centered in community, grounded in empathy and discernment, focused on action, and attentive to reflection in order to begin the next round of ministry. It is a helpful model for starting any new ministry initiative.

Community

Gather a Team -- gather at least two or three other people to be your core team.

See

Honestly assess and prayerfully discern the readiness of your team and your congregation/community.
Be aware of what is already happening in your community and who you might partner with.

Discern

Establish the “why” for your work? Why are we doing this? What is our goal?
Choose to engage anti-racism in way that does good, does no harm, and stays in love with God. Ask honestly, “what is our congregation ready for?”

Act

Do Something. Once you discern the best way to engage and have a plan, get started.
Be clear in your invitation and communication to participants.
Be prepared to “pivot” and change direction, approach, focus as needed.