THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
The theological reflection this month is drawn from White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo and the baptismal promises in The Episcopal Church.
LEARN
Choose one or more of the following:
READ
Book of the Month: White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
“Moving from Ally to Accomplice: How Far Are You Willing to Go to Disrupt Racism in the Workplace?” (article)
“White People: This Is How To Check Your Privilege When Asking People of Color For Their Labor” (article)
“Opportunities for White People in the Fight for Racial Justice Moving from Actor → Ally → Accomplice”
WATCH
I didn’t tell you: (7:27) A poem about the difference in the ways our daily lives play out due to race.
How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them (17:53) A TED talk by Verna Meyers inviting people to acknowledge our biases. Then move toward, not away from, the groups that make us uncomfortable.
America Inside Out Series 1 White Anxiety (46:34) A documentary with Katie Couric Katie Couric that examines the real roots of anger and frustration among America’s white working class. In this episode, The anxiety among the white working class is examined to understand its impact on America's political and cultural divide.
LISTEN
How to move from ally to accomplice (podcast) DeRay Mckesson—civil rights activist, author of On the Other Side of Freedom, and host of the podcast Pod Save the People—gives us all a reason to feel hopeful. Part of Mckesson’s work is rooted in the highest form of make-believe: telling stories about a more just future, a world we haven’t seen yet. The next part of this important work is getting people ready to live in that world. Our broken systems, Mckesson reminds us, were made up—and so we can make better ones.
NOTICE
Notice how you are showing up in the work of racial justice - as an actor, ally, or accomplice. Has that changed at all over this year?
ENGAGE
Choose one or more of the following:
Learn about and support policies put forward by The Movement for Black Lives here.
Organize a film night or book group with family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors to learn and discuss together the dynamics and realities of privilege and power.
Participate in a program that accompanies formerly incarcerated or detained people returning to community and their families. Such programs offer mentoring, job skills, clothing closets, and spiritual and emotional support, and help churches to listen and learn from wise, vulnerable neighbors.
Consider what you have learned with us so far. What topic areas do you know your relatives or friends may have a problem with? Why? Consider engaging in conversations with people you know as a way to challenge perspectives that are dehumanizing to others who may not look like your family, believe in the same God, or share the same experiences.
REFLECT
What stood out to you the most?
How are you feeling?
What action will you take?
Who in your family/community may want to take action with you?
PRAY
Holy God, becoming allies and accomplices requires risk. Creating a better world with you takes courage. Remind us each day of your love. Holy Word made Flesh, you came to show us how to live. You invited everyone to be an accomplice with you. Be with us as we strive to tell the truth and repent. Be with us as we seek to proclaim your dream and practice the way of love. Holy Spirit, envelop us as we work to repair the breach. Bind us together in new ways with our allies and accomplices and new friends. All this, we ask in the name of your one holy and undivided Trinity. Amen.
