In the spring of 2015 and 2016, a group of Regional Ministers met in St. Louis, Missouri to hear and learn from local Disciple pastors about the chaos surrounding the death of Michael Brown. I remember two things these pastors saying, (1) “We are very tired,” and (2) “This will happen in your community, and you need to be prepared.” Sure enough, as hard as some of us work to be in relationship with our brothers and sisters and our community leaders, a tragedy happened in Tulsa with the police shooting of Terence Crutcher.
The Region of Oklahoma is stepping up its awareness and leadership with Pro-Reconciliation and Anti-Racism (PRAR). It is imperative that each of us and all of us get our hearts and minds around systemic racism.
The Faith in Action Commission and Reconciliation are partnering with the active and existing PRAR team from Illinois/Wisconsin and have invited their leaders to come to Oklahoma to introduce us to the possibilities of developing an Oklahoma PRAR team. This one-day free training experience will take place Saturday November 19, 2016 at First Christian Church Stroud.
Oklahoma recognizes the effectiveness of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches Spiritual & Emotional Disaster ministry that works around the state. A Regional PRAR team will be equally as effective and is much needed.
This opportunity for learning is being supported in full by Oklahoma Reconciliation funds. As leaders of faith and followers of Christ I strongly encourage us all to participate in this event. Please read below for details about the event and how to register (continuing education credit applies).
Peace and God’s blessings,
Pam Holt, Regional Minister
Leslie Dotson, Assoc. Regional Minister
You Are Invited by Rev. Pam Holt & Rev. Leslie Dotson and The Faith in Action Commission of the Christian Church in Oklahoma
To Attend A Free Pro-Reconciliation and Anti-Racism Event
“Introduction to Systemic Racism”
Guest Speakers
Rev. Dwight Bailey and Martha Herrin
Members of the Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Team of Illinois/Wisconsin
To learn more about this event register here.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
First Christian Church Stroud
(Lunch provided)
I am so glad that our region is finally taking a serious look at systemic racism and what the church might do. I pray daily that each congregation will open their eyes. I am registered for this event. I hope you will too.