James Lawson: Reflections on Life, Nonviolence, Civil Rights, MLK

The United Methodist pastor's parents told him “there’s a better way” than violence to resolve conflict. Those words would shape James Lawson’s life, leadership and ministry. View

Gilbert Caldwell: Voice for Justice and Human Rights

The retired United Methodist pastor reflects on how his relationship with MLK and involvement in the civil rights movement shaped his life and ministry. View

Mexican-American Teens Take Civil Rights Tour

Visiting sites where social justice protests happened and hearing the stories of Chicano activists give teens a living history lesson. View

Commentary: Will you join in fighting racism?

The Rev. Donna Claycomb Sokol writes about her profound gratitude for the church that saved her by opening her eyes to racism. Read More

Amid tumult of 1968, a church came together

The United Methodist Church’s birth took years of work and a commitment to end racial segregation. Historians say 50 years later, the union offers lessons for today. Read More

Commentary: Why the church needs a news service

At a time of deep divisions within The United Methodist Church, an impartial news service can provide coverage that helps church members understand what is happening. Read More

Commentary: Thoughts, prayers and advocacy

Florida Area Bishop Kenneth H. Carter Jr. writes about the church bearing witness to life in the midst of death by moving beyond thoughts and prayers to advocacy. Read More

Commentary: Church should do more to fight racism

The Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell writes that fairness should motivate The United Methodist Church to do more to fight racism in the church and the world. Read More

United Methodists Bond with Muslim Neighbors

When a mosque went up across the street, a congregation had a clear choice. “We could be cold to them, or we could welcome them to the neighborhood.” View

On its 100th birthday, a church repents for its racist founders

Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. formally repented for its roots in white supremacy during its 100th anniversary service. Read More

Ways United Methodists can take a stand against racism

In light of recent racial violence in the U.S., there are calls to take action. By changing beliefs and behavior we can work to change the world. Read More

Five tips to help address racism with children

It's important to talk to young people about racism, before they learn about it through others or through hard experience. Read More

At Sunday worship, pastors decry racism

After witnessing the white supremacy that led to deadly violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, United Methodists across the U.S. spent Sunday proclaiming a different way in Christ. Read More

Remembering our baptismal vows in the face of racism

Violence in Charlottesville reminds us we are called to "action through prayer... and denouncing acts borne out of hatred." Read More

Bishop Ough’s Statement about Charlottesville

Council of Bishops leader says church's Social Principles are a clarion call and powerful witness in times such as these. “No identity or culture has more legitimacy than any other.” More

Church shelters protesters amid deadly turmoil

First United Methodist Church provides safe space for anti-racism protesters after turmoil around a white nationalist rally turns deadly. Read More

Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People About Racism

Dr. Robin DiAngelo explains why white people implode when talking about race. Read More

Church Builds Harmony Through Student Debate

United Methodists in Nashville invited young people to talk about the tough issues affecting us all, and seek change. View

Dallas church gets serious about racial healing

The Year of Unity (YOU) will involve community building events, empowerment, and education. It has the support of area civic leaders, including former President George W. Bush. Read More

Bishop Woodie White’s 2017 Letter to Martin Luther King Jr.

"But Martin, our goal... is not merely a better, more just America. We Christians strive for a more beloved community, for what we sometimes call the reign of God." Read More

Rights of Racial and Ethnic Groups

"We recognize racism as sin and ... assert the right of members of historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to equal opportunities..." Read More

White Privilege in the United States

European Americans enjoy a broad range of privileges denied to persons of color in our society, privileges that often permit them to dominate others who do not enjoy such privileges. Read More

Global Racism and Xenophobia

The General Conference of The United Methodist Church affirms the United Nations principles relating to global racism and xenophobia. Read More

Affirmative Action

The United Methodist Church supports affirmative action as part of our biblical mandate to redress discrimination and create a society where all may flourish. Read More

Responsibilities for Eradication of Racism

Every annual conference within the U.S. should have a strategy and program that educates and supports systemic and personal changes to end racism. Read More

A Charter for Racial Justice Policies in an Interdependent Global Community

"With respect to race, the aim of The United Methodist Church is nothing less than an inclusive church in an inclusive society." Read More

Resources About Race

The United Methodist Church offers tools to guide conversations about racial justice, racism and religion. More

Advice from Children: Embrace Love

Young United Methodists talk about how we can overcome evil with good. “Stand up for other people.” View

Racial Justice Articles: United Methodist Women

UMW has compiled a list of relevant articles addressing racism and racial justice. Read More

An Open Letter to Jeff Sessions

Board of Church and Society head asks U.S. leaders to reject racism and bigotry and take up the mantle of justice and peace. Read More

Deconstructing White Privilege: A Discussion Guide

Video offers tips to start conversations about the realities of race and racism and how they affect our communities, our congregations, and our faith. View

A Faithful Witness in Divided Times

See ideas and guidance for administrators, chaplains and campus ministers to engage effectively with campus protests and student efforts around a faithful public witness. More

A Racial Justice Timeline

United Methodist Women has, from its beginnings, tried to build a community and social order without racial barriers as this timeline shows. View

Name That Feeling: A Group Exercise

This GCORR resource enables diverse individuals to come together to discuss a time when each felt different with the goal of becoming more sensitive to those who feel excluded. View

Responding to Children’s Fears

Consoling children following a traumatic event can be overwhelming to the adults caring for them. This article suggests resources for supporting children following a crisis or disaster. Read More

How to help children after a crisis

Acknowledge children's fears and use these tips to help them to cope in a world that is often very unpredictable and scary. Read More

5 Ways of Diversifying the Table

How can we model our invitations to the table – both literally and metaphorically – in ways that honor Jesus’ model and hopes for the world? Read More

Radical Welcome Defined

This resource offers tips for being a radically welcoming community, especially to those who have been marginalized. View

Diversity Training: What We Do Not See

This resource will challenges participants to examine and work through their own biases, misperceptions, and/or assumptions, helping them see what they may not "see." View

Racism: Conversation Toward Action Circles

This resource from the Baltimore-Washington Conference gives guidance for creating spaces of trust in your congregation for talking about racism and for creating a strategy for increasing membership diversity. Read More

Resources for Widen the Circle: A Call to Beloved Community

These resources on racism accompany Widen the Circle, a study guide that helps congregations engage in honest dialogue and respectful conversation about racism and xenophobia. Read More

Communities of Shalom: Building and Renewing Community Life

Shalom zones offer after-school educational programs, economic community development, advocacy for immigration reform, and work to reduce youth violence. Read More

Helping children cope with violence

Find concrete suggestions for how parents and congregations can help children deal with violent events they hear about in news. Read More

Affirm Diversity, Challenge Racism

This resource suggests 25 things your congregation can do to affirm diversity and challenge racism. Read More

Personal Assessment Tool

This self-reflection tool will help you become a more faithful witness against racism and racial injustice in your community and congregation. View

Discussion questions: White Privilege

These discussion questions help individuals explore the ways in which they have received unearned advantages based on their race. Read More