We are called to be a church that embraces each person and confronts racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, age, gender, familial, sexual orientation, physical, personal and class barriers that can manifest as unjust treatment, inequalities, exclusion, and violence. The synods of Region 8 of the ELCA are committed to equipping leaders to recognize and understand the complexities and implications of racism and racial issues and are offering training in the areas of anti-racism and racial justice for leaders in partnership with synods, congregations, associations, and social service agencies.
Region 8’s Racial Justice Training equips leaders to face the challenges of racism in a diverse, complex and changing world by providing tools and resources that foster healthy and holy conversations. This in-person workshop for rostered ministers will include these topics:
Talking about Race: language and vocabulary
A biblical and theological basis for Justice Work
History and systemic racism in the United States, and
How to begin conversations and actions in your ministry context.
This workshop will be led by members of the SWPA Synod Authentic Diversity and Justice Working Group and Rev. Carla Christopher Wilson, assistant to the bishop in the Lower Susquehanna Synod. Cost is $15 per person which includes lunch, refreshments and cost of materials. Please contact Pastor Melissa Stoller at melissa.stoller@elca.org with any questions.
Region 8 is comprised of the following eight synods: Northwest PA, Southwest PA, Allegheny, Lower Susquehanna, Upper Susquehanna, Delaware/Maryland, Metro DC, and West Virginia/Western Maryland, and this in person training is open to all pastors and deacons on the roster of this synod
Attending this training fulfills the ELCA churchwide assembly’s directive that rostered ministers participate in racial justice training every two years.
Registration is Now Closed
Please contact Pastor Melissa Stoller at melissa.stoller@elca.org with any questions about your registration.