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CHRISTIAN LIFE IN LONDON | April 2024 EDITION
Responding To Racism - A Conversation Guide
Published April 2022
Courtesy: Canadian Bible Society / Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
This link HERE connects you to “Responding To Racism - A Conversation Guide” The conversation guide is designed for church small groups but could be used by any group wishing to discuss racism by starting with their individual heart postures. We encourage you to complete the guide at your own pace. As a framework, it will likely take four sessions to work through, allowing one or two hours per session.
As you go through the guide, feel free to invite participants to take turns reading the group portions out loud.
Before your group meets for the first time, leaders can encourage each participant to practice discussing racism with someone he or she trusts (a church member, mentor, etc.) to gain familiarity and confidence speaking about this topic. Leaders can find further information on how to use this resource and manage group discomfort at TheEFC.ca/Racism.
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
This conversation guide explores biblical concepts that prepare followers of Jesus to effectively understand and respond to racism in a God-honouring way. It is a launching point to hear from God through the Bible on this issue. The Holy Scriptures are completely trustworthy and provide us with the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
While there are historical, political, philosophical and social dimensions to racism, it is also a sin issue. Racism is a sinful belief system that creates injustice by denying people their God-given humanity. It undermines the truth that all people are loved by God. All humans are created in His image and have equal dignity and value.
Scripture tells us that God the Father is reconciling all things in heaven and on earth to Himself through Jesus and that we are called to act as ambassadors of this message (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). As we explore key principles in God’s Word, we can be better equipped to model walking in harmony with our brothers and sisters. When we seek reconciliation, we’re joining with Christ, who prayed for our unity as His followers (John 17:11).
The prayer is that as you journey through this conversation guide, you will be better prepared to engage in conversations about racism, justice and reconciliation.
OBJECTIVE
This resource provides an introductory guide for individuals and small groups as they address racism. Its main purpose is to spark conversations about racism that are grounded in biblical reflection and prayer.
This guide can help remove some of the barriers that might hinder individuals from talking about racism and encourages the creation of a safe environment. It also explores racism as a sin issue and how we can respond to it according to biblical principles.
The desired outcome is to help prepare small groups to journey deeper in biblical reflection, conversation and transformation as they respond to God’s heart of love and justice. It is intended to be a gateway to an ongoing conversation about racism and how it relates to us – both individually and within our churches.
Please click HERE to download Responding To Racism - A Conversation Guide
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