Delegates to the upcoming North Central Jurisdictional Conference are asked to engage resources on White Supremacy prior to conversations at the conference.
Dear Delegates and Alternates to the North Central Jurisdictional Conference,
On Thursday, November 3, when we are gathered together in session, we will be engaging in conversations about White Supremacy and Christian Nationalism, and hear about the work of our annual conferences in dismantling racism.
In preparation for that time for which we are providing leadership, we would ask that you engage one of the following resources prior to Jurisdictional Conference:
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- Watch “White Savior”—it is free on Amazon Prime and is produced by Sparkhouse in Minneapolis.
- Listen to this NPR broadcast: “Christian Nationalism’s Impact on American Politics.” The speakers are Andrew Whitehead, Katherine Stewart, and Jemar Tisby.
- Read essays from “Christian Nationalism and the January 6, 2021, Insurrection.” It was referenced on the GBCS webinar on Christian Nationalism.
We recognize that some of these resources reference our political landscape. Our work together will not be focused on our nation’s politics, though we will acknowledge that White Supremacy and White Christian Nationalism are having an impact on our politics. Our work together will be focused on how White Supremacy and Christian Nationalism are having an impact on our churches and their ministry. These resources provide helpful information about White Supremacy, Christian Nationalism, and racism, their history, and their ongoing impact.
Respectfully in Christ,
Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Bishop David A. Bard
Editorial note: The North Central Jurisdiction Committee on the Episcopacy and the North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops also recently sent this memo to delegates recommending that they vote to elect three bishops at the November 2-5 conference to fill all episcopal vacancies within the jurisdiction. This recommendation has been confirmed in a recent article from UM News.
Last Updated on October 19, 2022