Racial Justice
Our Statement on Racial Justice
On June 18, 2020, our Church Council unanimously approved a statement of Resurrection’s Vision for Racial Justice. This statement was developed by a diverse group of volunteer leaders and staff, led by Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell, after prayerful discernment over every word.
A Closing Word About Which Lives Matter from Rev. Adam Hamilton
Resurrection’s statement from Church council has elicited a great deal of discussion among our members, which was part of the hope for the statement. Rev. Adam Hamilton, Senior Pastor, elaborated in response to some of the questions our church received, and you can read his full note by clicking the button below.
Sermons on Racial Justice
Sermons on Racial Justice
June 7, 2020 – Rev. Adam Hamilton
June 14, 2020 – Rev. Emanuel Cleaver III
October 18, 2020 – Bishop Michael Curry
May 31, 2021 – Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell
May 31, 2020 – Rev. Adam Hamilton
Allies for Racial Justice
Allies for Racial Justice is a joint ministry started in 2016 between St. James UMC and Church of the Resurrection. Their mission is forging authentic relationships to eliminate the existing racial divide in our communities and churches in Kansas City and beyond.
The Black Church
This is Our Story, This is Our Song
This moving four-hour, two-part series from executive producer, host and writer Henry Louis Gates, Jr., traces the 400-year-old story of the Black church in America. The documentary reveals the spiritual journeys of Black people, how they brought faith traditions from Africa to the New World, translating them into a form of Christianity uniquely their own – and a redemptive force for our nation’s original sin.
Talking About Race
Talking about race, although hard, is necessary. The National Museum of African American History & Culture’s “Talking About Race” website provide tools and guidance to empower your journey and inspire conversation.
United Methodist Resources
- United Methodists Stand Against Racism: The United Methodist church is challenging unjust systems of power and access, and working for equitable and equal opportunities for all.
- General Commission on Religion and Race: GCORR is building the UMC’s capacity to be contextually relevant and to reach people as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
- Social Principles (Revised 2020): The Social Principles speak to issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation that is in keeping with the best of our United Methodist traditions.
- Church and Society: Church and Society equips United Methodists across the globe to faithfully advocate for a more peaceful and more just world.
"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?"
How to Respond to Racist Comments
Most of us have had that moment where someone says something racist/offensive and our brain freezes and stops us from responding. Having a couple of phrases in your back pocket can help prepare you for next time. Read through this list and pick out a couple that roll off your tongue easily.
Other Resources
- Video: Vespers Conversation with Pastor Adam Hamilton and Chief U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson
- Video Podcast: Pastor Adam Hamilton on the Social Leader Podcast with Fr. Justin Matthews
- Website: Anti-Racism Calendar (created by Tilly Krishna)
- Website: Equal Justice Initiative – Racial Justice (founded by Bryan Stevenson)
- Article & Video: Brené Brown defines “White Privilege” (Christy Williams – Elephant Journal)
- Podcast: Silence is Not an Option with Don Lemon (CNN)
- Video:“A Letter to My People: Reflections on Whiteness Amid a Racial Reckoning in America” – Erika Blacksher, the John B. Francis Chair in Bioethics designee, talks about whiteness, its intersection with social class, and its role in shaping people’s lives and health prospects.
- Film: “The Reunited States” (use password #reunitedkc2021) – This documentary follows the unsung heroes on the difficult journey of bridging our political and racial divides.
- Video: “The Hidden Bias of Good People” – This hour-long special on bias is hosted by Dr. Bryant Marks of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
