Cesar Chavez March
Directors of the General Commission on Religion to & Race, staff members, and La Trinidad UMC musicians prepare to join the 27th Annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice during the board's recent meeting at La Trinidad UMC in San Antonio, Texas. (UM Insight Screenshot of GCORR Photo).
March 29, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) Board of Directors recently gathered in San Antonio, Texas for their Spring board meeting from March 24-26, 2023. Hosted at La Trinidad United Methodist Church, the historic Mexican-American church welcomed board members from across the world to discuss business, share insights from their respective contexts, and learn about the history and ministries of San Antonio.
Board members from Central Conferences shared stories about the ongoing work and challenges they are facing within their contexts, including the deeply-rooted issue of tribalism in Africa. This was followed by updates on programmatic work, new initiatives, and upcoming projects from GCORR staff. Highlights included presentations on the new “What Is?” series and book study guides created to support one’s antiracism journey, deepen one’s faith, and strengthen the mind and spirit to continue working towards a more equitable world.
Local guests included United Methodist pastors from three churches located in downtown San Antonio who spoke powerfully about advancing the work of racial justice through collaboration and partnership. They have successfully strengthened relationships within their communities and created a place of healing and hope. The board also participated in the 27th Annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice which celebrates civil rights leader Cesar Chavez’s efforts for social change and increases awareness of the safety and security of migrant farm workers.
Board member Vince Gonzales states, “It was truly wonderful to see the Board move from the comfort of advocacy into the midst of activism. It was invigorating to hit the streets and participate where the rubber meets the road.”
Board committees shared updates on their work, including a report from the CORR Action Fund committee on a new grant cycle in 2023 that would launch later this year, focusing on mental health awareness and wellness.
Potential legislation was discussed for General Conference, which will be finalized during the July Virtual board meeting. The board spent considerable time reviewing various proposed pieces of legislation and debating their potential impacts on the church. Additionally, a decision was made to speak to the concerns of the suspension of Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño.
In its continued partnership and work in the Central Conferences, the board celebrates the unanimous vote to approve the support of the formation of a Congo Central Conference Commission on Religion and Race Steering Committee. In addition, the first National Conference Commission on Religion and Race will gather for resource development and training in the Philippines in the summer.
The board meeting culminated with a storytelling devotional where the board and staff —including the newest board member from Puerto Rico, Rev. Nydia Rios—shared stories of their journey of faith and how God has guided them to do the work of justice.
On the last day of the GCORR Spring board meeting, Bishop Robert Schnase of the Rio Texas Conference joined the board members as they attended Sunday worship service at La Trinidad United Methodist Church. Board President, Bishop Moore-Koikoi offered the sermon at this service. The service live-stream recording is available here: https://bit.ly/la-trinidad-worship
Board President Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi states, "The United Methodist Church is the most racially diverse expression of Methodism in the world. For over fifty years, GCORR has helped the denomination more fully realize the blessing of our racial diversity. As denominational and cultural realities unfold, GCORR is poised, energized, and equipped to respond to the call of God and the needs of the denomination."
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The General Commission on Religion and Race is one of 13 church-wide agencies of The United Methodist Church. The Commission offers teaching resources, training, and networking for Christians seeking to bring their faith to the task of dismantling racism, tribalism, and xenophobia in all forms. More information available at www.gcorr.org.