For churches seeking a path toward ending the sin of racism, looking inward may be a good first step. Eastern PA’s Healing the Wounds of Racism core team will help churches prepare to take that step with a workshop titled Getting Ready for A Congregational Racism Audit on Saturday, November 18, at9 a.m. to 1 p.m., via Zoom.

The Dismantling Racism—Level II workshop can help churches pursue EPA’s Path Toward Wholeness/Journey of Hope goals, which include congregational racism audits for every church by 2027. Because racism is difficult to talk about openly, incisively and without judgment, conducting such an audit requires careful preparation and trained facilitators, say organizers.

Congregations should explore past and present incidents of bias and inequity, racial-ethnic concerns and demographics in their church and community, and what racial and cultural messages are communicated by their environmental settings, their worship, church traditions, important documents, etc.

Congregations are asked to enroll teams of up to five people, with at least one person having completed EPA’s Dismantling Racism I* basic anti-racism training. “Congregations engaged in GNJ’s Journey of Hope process may also find this workshop helpful.”  Registration: $15. Register.

*The next Dismantling Racism–Level I course is scheduled for October 27-29 via Zoom. The three-day, weekend course—from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon—teaches participants to understand an disrupt attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate racial bias, discrimination and oppression on all levels that affect everyone.  Two Continuing Education Units are awarded upon completion of this training, which satisfies the ministry requirement for Healing the Wounds of Racism / Changing Racism / Dismantling Racism. Learn more and register.