Complicity in Racial injustices
Weekly Prayer
Dear God, In the effort to dismantle racism, I understand that I struggle not merely against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities – those institutions and systems that keep racism alive by perpetuating the lie that some members of our family are inferior and others superior. Create in me a new mind and heart that will enable me to see brothers and sisters in the faces of those divided by racial categories. Give me the grace and strength to rid myself of racial stereotypes that oppress some in my family while providing entitlements to others. Help me to create a nation that embraces the hopes and fears of oppressed people of color where we live, as well as those around the world. Help me to heal your family making me one with you and empowered by your Holy Spirit.
Source: Adapted by Debra Mooney, PhD from Pax Christi
Mar 1 (Color Blindness)
Reading: Revelation 7:9
Reflection: How can we recognize and honor the diversity of races and cultures that are intrinsic to the Kingdom of God in the here and now?
Mar 2 (White Supremacy)
Reading: Genesis 1:26-27
Reflection: In what ways has the church elevated white culture as the predominant ideology of the American church?
Mar 3 (Racial Subjugation)
Reading: Acts 10:34-35
Reflection: In what ways has the American Church dishonored God’s desire to not show favoritism?
Mar 4 (Racial Segregation)
Reading: Galatians 3:26-28
Reflection: How are we still being affected by the Church’s disregard for the equality inherent in this passage?
Mar 5 (Ignoring the Cries of Oppression)
Reading: Proverbs 21:13
Reflection: How have we ignored the cries of oppression from People of Color? How can we take intentional steps toward answering those who cry out in oppression?
Resources:
Why the Bible Doesn’t Teach us to be Colorblind (Article)
Color blindness: Biblical reflections on racial and social unrest (Article)
How an Open Bible Should Dismantle White Supremacy (Article)
The Color or Compromise (Book) & How to Fight Racism (Book)
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness (Book)