St. Louis-Area Disciples Summit on Racial Justice: Resources

The St. Louis-Area Disciples Summit on Racial Justice, held on September 19, 2015, was an opportunity to gather and challenge Disciples to forge a unique mission imperative for racial justice in the St. Louis area. In cooperation with other Disciples, the NBA has supported local efforts for justice and racial reconciliation following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in August 2014. This event brought St. Louis-area congregations together to dialogue around issues of racial justice and to equip congregations theologically and emotionally to enter, and sustain, this difficult work.

We share the following resources from the St. Louis-Area Summit, for anyone interested in issues of racial justice, white privilege, and reconciliation, as well as other congregations or organizations interested in hosting a similar summit in their communities.

Video and Photo Highlights –  Our thanks to Rev. Bill Rose-Heim for sharing his photos with us as well.

ST. LOUIS-AREA DISCIPLES SUMMIT ON RACIAL JUSTICE HIGHLIGHTS

LAKEISHA ELLIS – “THE DAY I BECAME A PROTESTOR”

DAVE BOGER – “ONLY WHITES CAN FIX WHITE RACISM”

REV. APRIL JOHNSON – THE WORK OF RECONCILIATION

REV. DR. DIETRA WISE BAKER – SCHOOL-TO-PRISON PIPELINE

MINISTER JUNE GLOVER – COMMUNION POETRY

Introductory Greetings – by Rev. Dr. Jacque Foster, pastor of Compton Heights Christian Church in St. Louis. Download here

Participant Packet – including agenda and session handouts. Download here

Reading List on Racism and White Privilege – curated by Rev. Dr. Jeff Moore, pastor of Webster Groves Christian Church in St. Louis. Download here

Responsive Reading – a call-and-response from morning worship, from James 2:14-27. Faith without works is dead! Download here

Sacred Conversations on Race – remarks by Rev. Dr. Jacque Foster. Download here

“Only Whites Can Fix White Racism” – remarks by Dave Boger, Compton Heights Christian Church (view video at right). Download here

Article: NBA Collaborates with St. Louis-Area Clergy on Racial Justice Initiatives – Read more

Injustice Anywhere documentary film – available via streaming with downloadable study guide and screening packet. View film and download materials

This gathering of St. Louis-area congregations was supported by: National Benevolent Association, Higher Education and Leadership Ministries, Southeast Gateway Area, Office of the General Minister and President, Reconciliation Ministry, and Metropolitan Congregations United.