January 31, 2019
6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Carver Recreation Center
During the planning for the "Charlottesville to Jamestown" pilgrimage (October 6-13, 2018), it became increasingly clear to those of us leading and worshiping in predominantly white Christian congregations that we will need to acknowledge the role that Christianity and our own churches have played in creating and perpetuating white supremacy.
Initially, we attempted to plan an evening event during the pilgrimage called "O God! We're the Problem!" in which leaders from several Charlottesville congregations would share how their churches responded to Jim Crow laws, massive resistance, and other governmental actions and policies that impacted black and minority communities.
We then came to realize that we were not prepared to make presentations because we haven't spent time in our own congregations talking about our church’s history around racism.
Therefore, we are working on a year-long journey in which we encourage churches (and other houses of faith) to have conversations within their fellowship AND with other faith communities around race.
This year-long journey, will be highlighted by three gatherings:
In between these gatherings, participating faith communities will dig deeper into their own histories, as well as forge deeper connections with congregations across the racial divide.
For this first gathering on January 31, participants will:
If your congregation is interested in participating in this event, please RSVP here!
Contact us if you have questions.
Initially, we attempted to plan an evening event during the pilgrimage called "O God! We're the Problem!" in which leaders from several Charlottesville congregations would share how their churches responded to Jim Crow laws, massive resistance, and other governmental actions and policies that impacted black and minority communities.
We then came to realize that we were not prepared to make presentations because we haven't spent time in our own congregations talking about our church’s history around racism.
Therefore, we are working on a year-long journey in which we encourage churches (and other houses of faith) to have conversations within their fellowship AND with other faith communities around race.
This year-long journey, will be highlighted by three gatherings:
- First gathering (January, 2019)- A fellowship meal for the purpose of getting to know one another across racial lines, through conversations around our personal and church experiences around race.
- Second gathering (Spring, 2019)- Two or three congregations will share deeply about their their histories and connections to local governmental policies and events around race.
- Third gathering (August, 2019) – An Interfaith Service that includes elements of repentance and “mea culpa,” and asks “Where do we go from here? How does where we go connect to present day issues?”
In between these gatherings, participating faith communities will dig deeper into their own histories, as well as forge deeper connections with congregations across the racial divide.
For this first gathering on January 31, participants will:
- Enjoy a free, catered meal (bring a salad or dessert!)
- Begin conversations about history of Charlottesville faith communities around racism
- Converse with others across racial lines to build connection
- Learn about the work of the Charlottesville Clergy Collective
- Up to 10 members per congregation are welcome
If your congregation is interested in participating in this event, please RSVP here!
Contact us if you have questions.
Our "Charlottesville to Jamestown" pilgrimage is over, but the work continues on.
Visit our Cville2Jtown website for pictures and video clips of a transformational week.
Visit our Cville2Jtown website for pictures and video clips of a transformational week.