This is a special article written by Saint Peter member Allegra Reiber.
Over the last few months, a couple dozen Saint Peter members (and friends) joined together for the first-of-its-kind series of Faith Table Talks that focused on race. Throughout that time, the group heard a mix of hard truths and compassion, which inspired growth in all of us who attended.
The curriculum, based on a book/video published by Sparkhouse called Dialogues on Race, introduced relevant topics that we explored in a safe space, fueled by good meals and held in the trust of the Holy Spirit.
In addition to the essays and videos from the curriculum, many of us in the group shared articles and videos that provided insightful connections to current news as well as ELCA social statements and resolutions on racism. It is clear that the subject of racism is a big one. There is still much learning and discussion to do.
Our conversations addressed racism as a structural sin. Daniel Hill declares racism is a rival to God. It serves a system of oppression, economic control and dehumanization of God’s children. People have misread the Bible to justify slavery. Papal decrees authorized the taking of non-Christian lands. Native children as recently as the 20th century were taken from their families to Christian boarding schools for assimilation into whiteness. Yet we belong to the reforming Lutheran church, to a legacy of speaking out when institutions abuse the Gospel. We are called to repent white supremacy.
Our facilitator Olivia Kunevicius invited her husband, Keesh, and friend Adri to join us one Wednesday evening to share their experiences as people of color. Keesh explained that racism runs deep in daily life, impacting how he interacts with white strangers on the street. Adri shared her struggles meeting norms of dress with African-American hair. Both want the privileged to give leadership to people of color in social justice work. As Karyl Meyer noted: “We need to listen far more than we need to talk.”
Another guest speaker, Theo Wilson, went undercover on the internet to confront white supremacy and the trauma of racism. He called racism a tragedy because it distills the worth of individuals down to their skin color. Generations of potential were ignored and violently kept from power and wealth through slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation. Present-day racial wealth and academic opportunity gaps perpetuate inequality through structures in our society that still privilege whiteness. Wilson closed with a hopeful challenge: These seemingly impenetrable systems were built by people, and are therefore changeable by people.
The accompanying “word art” shares the sum of my experience. I pray it speaks to you.
“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” --Gal 3:28 (NRSV)
