With everything else going on among human affairs, it’s hard to remember that in Summer 2020 The United Methodist Church committed itself to dismantling racism, first in the United States and then around the world. Fortunately for the rest of us, the folks in the Northern Illinois Conference haven’t forgotten.
Here’s the word straight from the conference website:
“The Northern Illinois Conference Anti-Racism Task Force and its partners are pleased to announce our 2022 Speaker Series. During this 4-part series that extends into December and includes a 6-week book study in the fall, we will journey together to prayerfully learn, engage, and tackle our personal and corporate role in addressing racism. Download the flyer”
The schedule contains topics and speakers that sound both provocative and highly informative. Unfortunately, we didn't get word of this series in time for readers to register for the March 24 episode, "Unsilenced: Our Stories, Our Voices," but maybe there will be a recording you can watch in future. Other scheduled sessions are:
"Unafraid: Stand Up for Social Justice," Thursday, June 23, 2022, 12:00 -1:30 p.m. Representatives from different conferences discuss what the local church and their conferences are doing to address racism via Zoom. Speakers: Rev. Derrek Belase, Rev. David Lagos-Fonseca, Rev. Dana Neuhasuer, Rev. Brian Tillman, & Rev. Kathy L. Williams. More information
"Undenied: No Longer Willing to Be Unheard," Thursday, September 22, 2022, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Chebon Kernell shares insights and learning related to indigenous communities’ history, present work being done, and how we can be in solidarity as we prepare for the future. In-person and via Zoom Speaker: Rev. Kernell, UMC Native American Comprehensive. More information
"Called: Doing God's Work For The Beloved Community," Thursday, December 1, 2022, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Dr. Drew G.I. Hart addresses what the local church can do to combat the continuation of racism in the church and in society. In-person and via Zoom. Speaker: Dr. Hart. More information
A quick round-up of events
Here are some brief notes on social justice issues that concern United Methodists. These are presented verbatim from the listed sources so you can draw your own church connections.
From The Marshall Project: “Nine mass shootings in the U.S. this past weekend. Eight people were killed and 60 injured in episodes of gun violence from Milwaukee to Texas. CNN In a country awash with guns and mental illness, nearly half the states now allow people to carry concealed weapons without first obtaining a license to do so. Ohio made that choice earlier this month. Republican legislators in Florida and Indiana are poised to do so soon. The Washington Post”
From The Washington Post: “Skyrocketing prices are forcing more Americans to use food banks. How bad is it? Over a third of adults living in households with kids found it hard to cover normal costs in late January and early February, according to census data. Demand remains much higher than it was before the onset of the pandemic, officials say, and price hikes could grow because of the Ukraine crisis.”
From The Conversation: Why food pantries have an 'acorn squash' problem
From NPR: “Fifteen states have enacted or are considering laws that would restrict access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth. They put a staggering 54,000 transitioning transgender youth at risk of losing care. That's one-third of all transgender-identifying youth in the U.S.”
From The Washington Post: The new omicron variant is spreading in many parts of the U.S. BA.2, a subvariant of omicron that appears to be about 30% more transmissible than the original, has driven a new wave of cases in Western Europe. The coronavirus variant accounts for 55% of new infections in New England, the CDC says, and 35% of infections nationally — up from 22% a week ago. There’s no consensus. Many variables are at play, including changes in behavior and levels of immunity. Read this story
Media Mentions as of March 23, 2022
Unity in the Community Rally to Support the People of Ukraine - WENY News
‘Teach the Truth’ campaign aims to battle book bans, censorship in Texas schools*
Sports Shoe Ministry a blessing for young athletes | News | paysonroundup.com
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Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011. To reproduce this content elsewhere, email Insight for permission.