AntiRacism Training – For Me?

What a great question!  The Anti Racism and Reconciliation Team (ARRT) would tell you that the answer is a resounding “Yes”!  Let us tell you a little more . . .

Who conducts the Training?  The two and one-half day event is sponsored by the Presbytery of Detroit in conjunction with Crossroads Ministry of Chicago IL.  Crossroads is an organization formed specifically to work with churches, communities, and businesses to increase the understanding of racism and encourage people (like you and me!) to work toward reconciliation.

What happens at the Training?  Over the course of the training session, attendees are given the opportunity to explore racism in our culture and to begin to discern strategies for dismantling racism.  For many participants, the Training has been a life-changing experience, bringing a radical new understanding of what racism is, and its destructive impact on everyone of all races. The first step in dismantling racism is to diagnose just what racism is – therefore diagnosis is the focus of the training session. You will learn that racism is a condition that pre-dates the first European settlements on this continent, and that its impact has been woven into the very fabric of our social, governmental and economic structures.

When and Where is the Training?  Please contact a member of the AntiRacism team (names below) for exact dates.  Typically, the Training Session is to be offered on a Thursday evening, all day Friday, and all day Saturday at a church in our Presbytery. Attendance at all sessions is required, so it may be necessary to request time off work in order to attend. Many who have used vacation time will tell you that the experience was well worth the sacrifice! 

Why Attend Training?  The Bible tells us that all the dividing walls between peoples have been torn down in Christ (Ephesians 2:14-16). He has made us one, and it is His Church’s mission to embody that reality. Racism continues to be a powerful force standing in the way of God’s people carrying out our mission. Understanding the nature and impact of racism can help move us forward, both individually and as a church, as we strive to live out Christ’s vision of unity in Him.

Who Attends Training?  YOU, of course. No matter where you stand on the topic of racism, the Crossroads Anti-Racism Training has proven to be an enlightening, challenging, paradigm-shifting experience. So please consider joining the 38 Geneva members and friends who have attended the Crossroads Anti-Racism Training over the past 4 years. The more who attend, the greater our potential to become a church that embodies the love and unity of Christ in a divided world. To attend, please contact any member of the ARRT.

Questions?  We would love to hear of your preliminary interest and welcome the opportunity to talk with you further!

Geneva Anti-Racism and Reconciliation Team:

Tom Anderson (Presbytery Team Representative), Erin Archambault, Michelle Barrie, Carol Bunch, Dave Bunch, Linda Condash, James Moon-Dupree, Phyllis Redfern (co-chair), Rick Russell, Bryan Smith and Ron Washington (co-chair).