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Additional Resources

Reflections on Faith and Race

By Kyle Loring

This is the third in the series of guest reflections from a participant in the group that met to discuss issues of faith and race arising out of racial conflicts in our nation in the past year.

First, there’s something you should know. I’m not qualified to offer this reflection on faith and race. Although I attended the occasional holiday church service in my youth, and once attended our small island’s vacation bible study (different small island), I wasn’t raised in a particular faith. Instead, I married into it. And I’m grateful! But I haven’t lived a life of faith. Likewise my experience with race. I grew up in a town with a large military, and thus diversifying, presence. And after law school, I had the opportunity to serve as a lawyer for a tenacious environmental justice group in Boston led by people of color. But at the end of the day, my commute took me out of mostly-black Roxbury and to my apartment in very-white Newton. And even during the day, my white skin shrouded me with a privilege and protection I didn’t see. So no, I’m not qualified to speak on this topic. But it’s one that’s important to me nonetheless, and it’s one that I continue to ponder and explore, as I know do many of you.

Last fall, Jess and Anne organized a series of conversations about faith and race. And what struck me more than anything else was the wide range of familiarity that each of us brought to the conversation. While we all recognize and want to avoid explicit racism, many of us are still learning to understand the social structures that continue to perpetuate racism, and the unintentional, implicit bias that affects almost all of our judgments and behaviors.

If you look like me, then you probably haven’t had to realize just how large a role race continues to play in our society, influencing the likelihood of living in certain neighborhoods, one’s level of education, job prospects, and even the possibility of being arrested, with all of its attendant collateral damage. These social structures that racism has perpetuated are difficult for many of us with the privilege of white skin to detect. Until you start delving a little deeper. Then you might ask questions, like how many Lutheran congregations do we know with a large percentage of non-white membership? Is there a reason for that? Is it something we can address? Should we address it? How?

​So how do we address racism? Here are a few unqualified thoughts. First, we can continue to look inward and understand ourselves. If you haven’t taken one of Harvard’s implicit bias tests, that’s a great place to start (https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html). Be prepared for serious introspection! Second, we can continue to learn more about the subtler forms of racism – have you ever heard someone compliment a non-white person for being “so articulate”? (see microaggressions). It probably didn’t send the positive message intended. Third, we can make sure we don’t let this moment pass by like a fad. One of my favorite NY Times opinion columnists wrote a piece on Monday that reinforced this point—within three months of George Floyd’s killing, support for Black Lives Matter had dropped back to where it had been prior to that time. Fourth, we can take action as a congregation. Could we create a relationship with a church that doesn’t look like ours? Would we each have strengths to share?

What are your thoughts on steps we can take as individuals and together?

Faith and Race Action Group

Next Meeting TBA. See contact information below.

This group seeks to take action to counter systemic racism in the ELCA and the community. To date we have considered joining the One Parish, One Prisoner ministry; reaching out to our indigenous and Latino/Latina neighbors; and submitting resolutions to our synod. For more information or to join this group, contact Ruth Fothergill at ruthkf@earthlink.net

Weekly Prayer Message
Northwest Washington Synod, ELCA
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God of life and breath, you are our source of hope.
+ We give thanks for your gifts of life and love;
+ sustain us when we are feeling broken, lost or frightened; 
+ open our hearts and minds to hear your word and call; 
+ inspire us to be your hands and voice in your world; 
+ strengthen us to take action to seek justice for our neighbors;
+ grant us courage and creativity to joyfully share your Good News.

We pray for our world, nation, and local communities.
+ God of all people, we lift to you this nation. We pray for reconciliation and healing in this country. We pray for a way forward where all people are treasured and supported. Instill in us the strength and wisdom to join in your way of peace, justice and love.

+ Guide us to recognize our prejudices and empower us take action to eliminate the persistent institutional racism that permeates our world, country, communities, courts, church, and hearts.

+ We lift up those communities where insecurity, violence, and fear are the norm. Help us to bring healing, wholeness, and safety to these siblings. Inspire our leaders and guide us to be better advocates for the sake of each member in our community - especially those who have little power and no voice.

+ We pray for those who are hungry. Stir us to action to lift up our neighbors and seek policies that support them. We give thanks for our partnership with ELCA World Hunger - helping us find sustainable solutions to end hunger and provide nourishment domestically and abroad.

+ We pray for those places, people, and animals affected by natural disasters. Grant safety in the midst of chaos and fear; grant strength to those affected as they recover and rebuild. Help us to be generous partners with Lutheran Disaster Response and encourage our mindful work in disaster preparedness:  www.region1beprepared.org.

+ We lift up all in our communities who provide emergency services - those who respond first to bring aid: emergency medical workers, firefighters, community volunteers, and police. Grant them wisdom and safety in their work.

+ We pray for those who are awaiting diagnoses and treatment plans. Grant them peace and courage. Remind them that they are not alone.

+ We mourn with our fellow siblings as this pandemic continues to claim lives and livelihoods.. Bring peace and comfort to the families whose loved ones have died. Grant healing for those diagnosed and recovering. Protect and sustain medical workers, care providers, first responders, and chaplains. Guide those working to improve testing, creating additional vaccines, and providing effective vaccine distribution. Sustain for those who are facing financial uncertainty due to loss of income. Help us all to be wise and vigilant in our actions. 

+ We pray for our neighbors who are fearful or in danger in their relationships. Sustain those who protect, support, and advocate for people who are experiencing domestic violence. (Reach out here for help: https://wscadv.org/get-help-now/)

+ We lift up those experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Empower us to reach out to those who need care and support. 

+ For those who are in despair, remember you are loved. You are never beyond God's mercy, grace, and love. 
1-800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Hotline)
1-888-628-9454 (Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio)
1-800-799-4889 (TTY)
1-877-574-4729 (Trevor project/ LGBTQIA+ under 24)
1-877-565-8860 (Trans Lifeline/Trans Folx)
1-800-273-8255 (Veterans Crisis Line)
https://suicidepreventionministry.org/
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