Anti-Racism Team

The Anti-racism Team consists of twelve members from across the synod, including six persons of color and two pastors.  Pastor Janet Hunt is the Synod Liaison.  Over the past year the task force had a display and presented a workshop at the 2005 Synod Assembly and three workshops at the 2006 Congregational Resourcing Event.  We made a presentation to the Synod Council about the new ELCA resource "Troubling the Waters for the Healing of the Church – A Journey for White Christians from Privilege to Partnership."  This is an excellent resource for our mostly white congregations and we encourage congregations to consider using it.  We also offer a 1½- 2  hour "Introduction to Anti-racism" workshop to synod committees, conferences and congregations.  We work with the Professional Leaders Conference Committee to keep our synod Professional Leaders aware of Anti-racism issues and resources.  Some of us will attend the World Mission Institute conference on "The Challenges and Possibilities of the Multicultural Parish."

The Anti-racism Team also works with the Illowa Lutheran Coalition in the Quad City area in offering Anti-racism workshops.  Currently we are considering the development of  a ministry with Multi-ethnic Families to serve the growing number of mixed race couples and families with children of mixed race or minority heritage.  Synod members interested in helping develop and/or participate in this ministry are urged to contact me at cfsam@mchsi.com or 309-797-1189. 

Pastor Frank Samuelson, Chair.