Members Plan Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission—a ten year plan for Racial Healing
Minneapolis, MN – “Minnesota is at the epicenter of being transformed by racial justice,” said Presiding Elder Stacey L. Smith of the St. Paul-Minneapolis District African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is also Vice President of the Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC). During a press conference announcing MCC plans for the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission. She said, “This work is going to impact the future of our state.”
Minneapolis, MN – “Minnesota is at the epicenter of being transformed by racial justice,” said Presiding Elder Stacey L. Smith of the St. Paul-Minneapolis District African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is also Vice President of the Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC). During a press conference announcing MCC plans for the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission. She said, “This work is going to impact the future of our state.”
The MCC represents approximately 30 churches and 1,000,000 individuals from Black, Greek, and Protestant denominations.
Bishop Ann Svennungsen, Minneapolis Area Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, agreed, “Not every person living on the land that became Minnesota has experienced it as a place of equity. The Christian church has too often remained silent. The MCC has made anti-racism a central focus. Together we follow Jesus, who came to bring good news to the poor and liberation to the oppressed.”
Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs, director of racial justice for MCC, said, “It is time to learn about the historical trauma that has been perpetrated on [BIPOC] communities and the effects of that trauma that still impacts our society today.”
“We have centered the representatives of the Black denominations into leadership positions on our board. This has changed the conversation and the direction of our work,” said the Council’s CEO, Rev. Dr. Curtiss Paul DeYoung. Our next step is to seek partners – we cannot do this alone. We step forward in faith speaking words of action and racial justice.”
The Council’s Board President and President of the Minnesota State Baptist Convention, Rev. Billy Russell, emphasized, “Through the adoption of this plan, we show that we are a people of love. And with this move that we mean business.”
Rev. DeYoung explained, “We envision a truth-telling process like that of South Africa or Canada that makes public the contested histories of harm racism produced. Our ultimate goal is to get at the systemic changes needed. So, there will be efforts to connect with the legislature, state and local municipalities.”
The MCC represents approximately 30 churches and 1,000,000 individuals from Black, Greek, and Protestant denominations.
Bishop Ann Svennungsen, Minneapolis Area Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, agreed, “Not every person living on the land that became Minnesota has experienced it as a place of equity. The Christian church has too often remained silent. The MCC has made anti-racism a central focus. Together we follow Jesus, who came to bring good news to the poor and liberation to the oppressed.”
Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs, director of racial justice for MCC, said, “It is time to learn about the historical trauma that has been perpetrated on [BIPOC] communities and the effects of that trauma that still impacts our society today.”
“We have centered the representatives of the Black denominations into leadership positions on our board. This has changed the conversation and the direction of our work,” said the Council’s CEO, Rev. Dr. Curtiss Paul DeYoung. Our next step is to seek partners – we cannot do this alone. We step forward in faith speaking words of action and racial justice.”
The Council’s Board President and President of the Minnesota State Baptist Convention, Rev. Billy Russell, emphasized, “Through the adoption of this plan, we show that we are a people of love. And with this move that we mean business.”
Rev. DeYoung explained, “We envision a truth-telling process like that of South Africa or Canada that makes public the contested histories of harm racism produced. Our ultimate goal is to get at the systemic changes needed. So, there will be efforts to connect with the legislature, state and local municipalities.”
“Will there be pushback when we are in the phases of truth-telling and education? Yes. But this is not unknown to indigenous peoples or our Black brothers and sisters. For centuries there has been a narrative told, and we are the voices that have dissented,” explained Jacobs.
Truth and Reparations Press Conference 10/21/2020 -https://youtu.be/Gl_5J4YUJRk. “Dismantling the Structures and Repairing the Damage of Racism in Minnesota http://mnchurches.webbrohd.com/blog/2020/09/28/dismantling-structures-and-repairing-damage-racism-minnesota
In an article, Churches embracing reparations David Crary wrote — The Episcopal Diocese of Texas acknowledges that its first bishop in 1859 was a slaveholder. An Episcopal church erects a plaque noting the building’s creation in New York City in 1810 was made possible by the wealth resulting from slavery. And the Minnesota Council of Churches cites a host of injustices, from mid-century atrocities against Native Americans to police killings of Black people, in launching a first-of its kind truth and reparations initiative. These efforts reflect a widespread surge of interest among many U.S. religious groups in the area of reparations, particularly among long-established Protestant churches that were active in the era of slavery. Many are weighing how to make amends through financial investments and long term programs benefiting African Americans. Some major denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention, have not embraced reparations as official policy.
Truth and Reparations Press Conference 10/21/2020 -https://youtu.be/Gl_5J4YUJRk. “Dismantling the Structures and Repairing the Damage of Racism in Minnesota http://mnchurches.webbrohd.com/blog/2020/09/28/dismantling-structures-and-repairing-damage-racism-minnesota
In an article, Churches embracing reparations David Crary wrote — The Episcopal Diocese of Texas acknowledges that its first bishop in 1859 was a slaveholder. An Episcopal church erects a plaque noting the building’s creation in New York City in 1810 was made possible by the wealth resulting from slavery. And the Minnesota Council of Churches cites a host of injustices, from mid-century atrocities against Native Americans to police killings of Black people, in launching a first-of its kind truth and reparations initiative. These efforts reflect a widespread surge of interest among many U.S. religious groups in the area of reparations, particularly among long-established Protestant churches that were active in the era of slavery. Many are weighing how to make amends through financial investments and long term programs benefiting African Americans. Some major denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention, have not embraced reparations as official policy.
Almighty God, We Pray
Almighty God, in the name of Jesus, we come in humble submission to you —thanking you for being our Lord and savior. Thank you for showering us daily with your love and mercy. Father, thank you for your protection, even while the pandemic threatens us. Thank you for being our provider, healer, and way maker. You cover us with your blood, and you give us peace and comfort during the storms of life. Father, we look to you for everything. Almighty Father, help us to return to you through genuine repentance. |
Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Father renew and shield our minds, giving us clarity of thought so we can honestly focus on serving you out of a pure heart.
Lord, I pray for emotional, physical, and spiritual protection over our families, children, and grandchildren. Grant us with the discernment to recognize your truth.
Now, father, we pray for your people from the uttermost parts of the world. Grant unity and love within families; continue to shelter us, providing strength and guidance during these turbulent times. Please help us enter the most high secret place for covering and protection under your wings.
We pray in Jesus’ name, amen!
Father renew and shield our minds, giving us clarity of thought so we can honestly focus on serving you out of a pure heart.
Lord, I pray for emotional, physical, and spiritual protection over our families, children, and grandchildren. Grant us with the discernment to recognize your truth.
Now, father, we pray for your people from the uttermost parts of the world. Grant unity and love within families; continue to shelter us, providing strength and guidance during these turbulent times. Please help us enter the most high secret place for covering and protection under your wings.
We pray in Jesus’ name, amen!