Why Black History Month Matters: A Seminarian's Reflection

In a compelling piece for Black History Month, Seminarian Clair Minson reflects on the significance of this observance, rooted in Dr. Carter G. Woodson's initiative to educate African Americans about their heritage. Minson emphasizes the transformative power of understanding one's history, paralleling the importance of biblical stories in nurturing faith. Black History Month, for Minson, is a call to remember the resilience and contributions of African Americans, urging a reevaluation of its meaning within our faith communities and a commitment to honor and value the lives of people of African descent.

A Conversation with Rev. Alejandro Mejia: In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we present a thoughtful conversation with Rev. Alejandro Mejía from the Delaware-Maryland Synod, exploring his connection with the ELCA and his reflections on the representation and inclusion of the Latiné community within the church. Rev. Mejía emphasizes the importance of amplifying Latiné voices, fostering diversity, and promoting bilingualism, and he shares his hopes and prayers for the future. Read the full post at ELCA.org here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 27, 2023Latino, Racial Justice Ministries, Racial JusticeComment

Prayers for the Fulfillment of King’s Dream by Rev. Dr. Andrea L. Walker

I was 4 years old when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. I was too young to understand the import of his words while he lived. Yet I remember the importance of those words, his struggles and his assassination to the Black community as I grew up in Chester, Penn. The community felt he was one of theirs. Not only was he a marvelous young African American preacher and civil rights leader, but he was also educated at Crozer Theological Seminary, just up the road in Upland, Penn.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardJanuary 17, 2023Racial Justice Ministries, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, Racial JusticeComment

Kristina Diaz: The Beauty and Tragedy of the Mestizaje Mindset

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month! As we celebrate, I can’t help reflecting on what is being celebrated: independence, legacy and identity. As far as my own identity, I grew up, like many Puerto Ricans, hearing the poems and songs that claim we all have a Black grandma hidden away somewhere. There was this shared idea among the people in my life that, no matter how hard we try to hide it, somewhere in our DNA we are all Black.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardSeptember 15, 2022Racial Justice Ministries, Racial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment

Let Justice Roll: A community celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's vision of justice for all

All are welcome to this free event at Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W Erie St., Chandler, AZ 85225. Sunday, 1/16/2022, 5pm MST.

Come for a faith-filled evening of song with pianist Raymond Forte, soloist Diana McCowan, and readings from Letter from Birmingham Jail. Optional children’s focused lesson available. View livestream at Youtube here.

Bishop Yehiel Curry: If It Was Us, We Would’ve Been Shot

Last Wednesday afternoon, after a day of virtually meeting and planning with Metro Chicago Synod (MCS) pastoral staff, I closed the Zoom window on my computer.

After a few moments, I glanced at my phone. Friends, family, and colleagues, many of whom are of African descent, had reached out to me, shocked. Many texted me similar words. “They would have shot us,” they said, again and again.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardJanuary 14, 2021Racial Justice, Racial Justice MinistriesComment

Regina Banks: When I Broke

When I announced my intention to go to law school my mother’s family became suspiciously excited. My grandfather was the first Black Genesee County (MI) deputy in the 1950’s. He studied law then finished his career as a magistrate. His only daughter (my mother) was a probation officer briefly. 3 of his 4 sons are, to this day, sworn law enforcement officers. One of them even married a state trooper! Adding a prosecutor to the family would complete the set.

LettersBrian FlatgardJune 26, 2020Racial Justice, Racial Justice MinistriesComment

Elle Dowd: White Supremacy Has a Body Count

On June 17, 2015, a white man named Dylann Roof entered a historic Black church in Charleston during a prayer meeting and opened fire, killing 9 people and wounding 3 more. He overtly and explictly espoused white supremacist beliefs and targeted the people of Mother Emanuel Church because of their race and commitment to civil rights. I felt my stomach sink when I found out that Roof was raised in an ELCA church.

LettersBrian FlatgardJune 1, 2020Racial Justice Ministries, Emanuel 9Comment

Rabbi Yehiel Poupko: In the Image of God: Please, I Can’t Breathe

Today, we, the Jewish People, have finished counting and fulfilling seven weeks of seven days, forty-nine days since Pesakh and the liberation from slavery in Egypt-Mitzrayim. As the Torah records, we were freed from slavery in the sight of all the world.

Every human being is created in the Tselem Elokhim, the Image of God. And into every human being has God breathed the breath of life. As we remember the last words of George Floyd, “Please, I can’t breathe!”

LettersBrian FlatgardMay 30, 2020Racial Justice MinistriesComment

Hiding in the Open: White Supremacy on the Great Plains

The ELCA recognizes June, 17 as day of Commemoration of the Emanuel 9 and a Day of Repentance of Racism. This post by Kelly France is featured as part of a series to call the ELCA to address white supremacy and racism. To find additional worship materials for June 17, please visit elca.org/EmanuelNine.

I love living and serving as a pastor in rural communities on the Great Plains. I have spent most of my life in this environment, and my family has been part of this landscape for generations. My identity is tied to this place, and that comes with complex realities and shameful truths.

LettersBrian FlatgardMay 26, 2020Racial Justice Ministries, Emanuel 9Comment

Zooming Toward God’s Love: Reflections on Resilience During Covid Times by Lily Wu

In the heated battle of humanity versus covid-19, the Zoom meeting app is booming. People want to see and be seen. Big learning curve for many. But free and open to everyone!

Indeed, being seen, and even loved, is one of life’s deepest joys. Conversely, not being seen, yet being hated, is a heavy stressor.

ELCABrian FlatgardApril 29, 2020Racial Justice MinistriesComment

Tale of Two Pandemics

We are writing this blog because we see how the effects of this pandemic are compounded by the effects of systemic and everyday racism. The disparities seem even more stark and clear now. Since much of our nation is highly segregated, it can be hard to see beyond what one is personally experiencing.

ELCA, Covid-19Brian FlatgardApril 26, 2020Racial Justice MinistriesComment

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