Strive for Justice

Maybe you've been keeping up with St. Andrew's Racism Response Team (RRT). A great deal of work has been done with that group (along with other such endeavors), having completed a weeks-long formation program called Sacred Ground to now formulating a mission statement and goals, to wit: We strive to continually deepen our understanding of racism and social injustice in order to effect positive change in our community.

One of the insights that I have gained throughout our various aspects of study and conversation is what I have termed the three Ds of racism:

• Dehumanization: Basically asserting that another (individual or group) is of less value as a human being because of who they are, especially as the assertion is expressed through various social structures and systems.
• Disproportionality: The impact of systemic racism disproportionally affects those who are asserted to be of less value relative to other groups (White, in particular).
• Denial: Asserting that there is no systemic racism (by which the very systemic nature of racism is perpetuated).

Systemic racism is very complicated, of course, and there is no single or easy solution, but as the RRT further states in its guiding principles: Since we, as Episcopalians, believe that humankind is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26), we must respect the dignity of every human being (Baptismal Covenant). And so we strive to do.

More information will be forthcoming from the RRT about how the entire St. Andrew's community will have the opportunity to join together in our imperative quest to, as the Baptismal Covenant states, seek and serve Christ in all persons, strive for justice, and respect each human being's dignity as one made in the image of God. Join us, won't you?

Marc+