DIY Racism Rallies 2022
A United Methodist Insight Column
With all that's going wrong in the world these days, some crises can get overshadowed by urgent events. However, the Northern Illinois Annual Conference hasn't forgotten America's need for racial justice, so it has held its second summer series of do-it-yourself anti-racism rallies.
A helpful article on the Northern Illinois website outlines for local congregations the practicalities of setting up a do-it-yourself rally. These include tips such as setting up a task force, scheduling a time and date, checking on public needs such as COVID precautions and local permits and connecting with local coalitions such as NIC's Churches United Against Racism. For more helpful details, check out the article.
Prayers inspire anti-racism efforts
While we're on the subject of United Methodist anti-racism efforts, again I want to encourage everyone to sign up for the Praying for Change: Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism curated by the Rev. Derek C. Weber. As the section on the Discipleship Ministries website states:
"While the headlines may have receded, the sin of racism continues to be seen and felt on both individual and systemic levels. Dismantling racism is not a short-term task but a lifelong moving forward to perfection in love—to use founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley’s words. Therefore, Discipleship Ministries and other agencies and bodies of The United Methodist Church will continue to provide resources and guidance on how to become anti-racist individuals and churches. Please seek out the help you need to maintain your efforts to transform your community into an anti-racist fellowship."
Rev. Weber does an outstanding job of drawing on multiple Christian sources for prayers, litanies and other devotional sources that demonstrate spiritual support for racial justice. It's a balm and an inspiration to get these prayers in my email box, offering a moment of divine respite and encouragement on the difficult journey toward anti-racism.
And it's still scorching out there
Here in Dallas where United Methodist Insight is produced, we've just passed our 43rd consecutive triple-digit temperature day. The Texas Tribune has taken stock of what this summer's extreme heat has meant for those without shelter.
"Extreme heat has made living on the streets even more dangerous than it already is, said Texans who are unhoused. And although cooling centers are an option in some cities, access has been a clear barrier. Many are open only Monday through Friday and close in the afternoons during the hottest parts of the day when temperatures typically climb into the triple digits. (Climate change has also contributed to less heat relief at night as minimum temperatures have risen rapidly.)
"In Dallas, emergency rooms have seen a spike in patients with heat-related illnesses this summer compared with last, and at least 10 people in Texas are believed to have died from heat as of June. Studies in other states have also found that people without housing have a higher risk of death and illness from heat than other populations."
Does your church have ways to help your community's homeless escape extreme heat?
Media Mentions as of July 25, 2022
Work camp offers free home repairs | Feature Story | rockymounttelegram.com
Alabama volunteers to help rebuild storm-damaged Hattiesburg home - WDAM
UKRAINE REFUGEES: FUMC sponsors two Ukrainian families as refugees - Yahoo News
Ukrainian United Methodists care for fellow countrymen - UM News
Florida Methodists sink into the mire - Lakeland Ledger
2nd teen charged with killing United Methodist Church leader - Times-News
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011. To reproduce this content elsewhere, please email Insight for permission.