WHAT IS RACIAL RECONCILIATION?

The sin of racism occurs when one prejudiced group uses their individual, social, or institutional power to benefit themselves while also oppressing others based on race. Therefore, reconciliation around racism involves working toward restoring broken relationships and divided groups, where both parties:

• Acknowledge the pain and reality of racism,

• Agree to repent, repair, and provide restitution

• Offer and receive forgiveness to begin bringing about true fellowship and communion.

WHAT IS “BE THE BRIDGE?”

Founded by Latasha Morrison, “Be The Bridge” (BTB) is an organization committed to a vision where “…people and organizations are aware and responding to the racial brokenness and systemic injustice in our world. People are no longer conditioned by a racialized society but grounded in truth. All are equipped to flourish.”

“Be The Bridge” seeks to “…empower people and culture toward racial healing, equity and reconciliation,” and offers practical, faith-based resources for individuals and churches to work through racial reconciliation faithfully and authentically.

TESTIMONIES

Since 2020, Mountain Park UMC has been able to lead three groups through the “Building Bridges: 10-Session Blueprint for the Collective Journey Toward Racial Reconciliation” discussion guide. The experiences have been eye-opening, empowering, and sacred.

Although this is just the beginning, we look forward to God growing more leaders and our collective work of racial reconciliation beyond our church and into our incredibly diverse communities.

Below is a testimony from one of our congregants, Leslie Harris, sharing his experience, heart, and invitation for you to become a bridge builder for racial reconciliation with us.

BTB Groups You Can Join

 Be the Bridge: Racial Reconciliation Study:

Leslie Harris invites you to participate in a guided conversation on the subject of race and racial reconciliation using the “Be the Bridge” curriculum. This curriculum invites participants to listen, learn, and share in a safe, honest, and grace-filled way. In addition, this curriculum is grounded in Scripture to help draw us into the same reconciling work that Christ has done for us and now calls us to live into more fully in part through racial justice and reconciliation.

• Leaders: Leslie Harris and Rev. Tyler Jackson

• Time-frame: Mondays from 7:00-9:00 PM over (at least) 10 weeks beginning September 13, 2021

• Location: Church Parlor

• You can learn more and purchase your digital PDF guide for immediate download at www.bethebridge.com.

• REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED (New dates will be released soon)