Greetings on behalf of the Beacon District Dismantling Racism Team (yes, that’s a mouthful!). For those of you who do not know, our team has been diligently meeting and working to address anti-racism issues in our district for the last couple of years. Anti-racism is one of the five focus areas for the North Carolina Conference. While this is one of the focus areas for the conference, what I have found is that this work is on the hearts of all our team members. As United Methodists, we uphold the 3 General Rules: Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. One way to live into these rules is to ensure we are doing no harm.
Racism is not a fun or easy topic for anyone. For most of my life, I often said, “I’m not racist, I like everyone, I don’t see color.” I’m not alone in saying those words; in fact, I have engaged in conversations with many wonderful Christians who say those same words. However, what I know now is that those words can be very hurtful to our brothers and sisters of color. I have learned that when I say, “I don’t see color,” what I’m really saying is that I don’t see you for the whole beautiful person God created you to be, including the color of your skin and the heritage of your family.
Genesis 1:26: “God said, ‘Let us make humanity in our own image.’” The United Methodist Church recognizes and values each person as a unique child of God made in God’s image. While we embrace these truths, we also must acknowledge the years of harm and pain that people of color have experienced and continue to experience.
As a white woman, I had a hard time accepting that racism still exists and acknowledging that, yes, even I have played a part in causing harm or pain to people of color, as unintentional as it may be. I know I have work to continue doing within myself and with the help of the Holy Spirit. That is why I am actively engaging in the work of opposing racism in all forms and promoting inclusion and equity in all aspects of our world.
Doing the work to dismantle racism is challenging, and I am proud of the Beacon District Dismantling Racism Team in the work we strive to do. Over the past couple of years this team has formed relationships with our fellow Methodist sisters and brothers within the AME Zion churches in our local areas. We meet regularly to fellowship and plan events that will foster new relationships and friendships. We have held joint worship services, a block party with wonderful food, music, worship, and fellowship, and are engaging in meaningful mission work together.
The Team is also working to continue to educate ourselves in this important topic. We are planning a seminar in the fall that will be open to the laity, clergy, and the wider community. We are also planning events in our local communities to engage in conversations with all people, sharing the beauty of who we all were created to be. We believe this work begins by building relationships and engaging in meaningful discussion.
Over the next months, you will hear from a variety of our team members who will share with you their stories; they may share resources of this work with you, as well as what the team is currently doing and how you can get involved. So, look for more articles in this Beacon District Leadership Newsletter.
If you are interested in learning more about the Beacon District Dismantling Racism Team or would like to be a part of this team, please email me at dhollis@nccumc.org. You can also visit the NCCUMC Anti-Racism page to learn more about what the conference is doing and find additional resources: https://nccumc.org/anti-racism/.
I’ll end with a quote I often think about as I consider this important aspect of ministry. I’m sure you’ll recognize this famous quote: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to ALL the people you can, so long as ever you can.”
Grace and Peace to you all.
Dawne Hollis-Custer,
Pastor, Newland UMC
Chair, Beacon District Dismantling Racism Team
photo credits: Lightstock.com-Bonnie-430944