In January of 2017, Montreat Conference Center staff engaged in a day-long training session with a team from Crossroads, and found it to be useful for inspiring long-term and site-specific conversations about the journey to overcome the dehumanizing effects of racism. We want to make a similar, more in depth opportunity available to congregations, pastors, Christian educators, session leaders, church staff, and volunteers.
This introductory training event by Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training will provide participants with a shared analysis of systemic racism in the United States. Using an action-reflection model, the training will seek to answer three questions: What is the current reality of racism in the US? Why is this still our current reality? How can we intervene strategically to disrupt and dismantle racism?
The training will include definitions of key concepts such as racism, prejudice, power, and dominant culture. Participants will receive capacity-building tools and resources to work for antiracist transformation in their churches and institutions.
This weekend training event is intended for individuals or groups from congregations who want to learn more about how their work can be transformed, with workshop time devoted to:
- Preaching
- Leading institutional change
- Children and families
- Youth and young adults
- Public witness
While many of the workshops include religious subject matter, the topics and tools provided are appropriate for anyone working to dismantle embedded racism in the workplace, home, schools, or church.
More information on leadership and workshops coming soon.