Topic: United Methodists seek racial justice

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We recognize racism as a sin and seek to eliminate it.

As followers of Christ, we embrace love and affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God and therefore work toward societies in which each person’s value is recognized, maintained, and strengthened.

On this page, you will find stories, resources and tools to learn more about the issue of racism and the ways you can advocate for the fair treatment of all people.

You can also download "Embrace Love" graphics here, which you can use on social media.

United Methodists were among those present at a rally decrying racism in Greenville, SC on August 13, 2017. Photo courtesy Melanie C. Gordon, Discipleship Ministries.

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

Children learn vacation Bible school songs at First United Methodist Church, Pasadena, Calif. Photo courtesy of First United Methodist Church, Pasadena.

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

Women weave a loom of prayer at Wellspring United Methodist Church in Ferguson, Mo. The prayer loom was among the ways United Methodists across the United States addressed the violence in Charlottesville, Va. Photo courtesy of the Rev. F. Willis Johnson.

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

Hands in prayer. Photo illustration by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

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 Bruce R. Ough is the Council of Bishops president. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

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

United Methodists were among demonstrators from 14 states who joined in the anti-racism protests in Charlottesville, Virginia. The march turned deadly when a car rammed through a group protesters who were there to counter the Aug. 12 march by white nationalists fighting the moving of a Confederate statue. Photo by Richard Lord, UMNS.

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

White Privilege photo illustration courtesy of the General Commission on Religion and Race.

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

Apurva Kunte from Vanderbilt joins students from Tennessee State and other Nashville Universities and high schools in a debate hosted by Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church.

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

The Rev. James Lawson (left) joins Martin Luther King and Ralph Jackson at a March 1968 press conference. Photo used with permission from the SCLC of California.

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

Rev. Richie Butler, pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Dallas, describes YOU - the Year of Unity - his civic program to promote racial healing. Photo courtesy of The United Methodist Church of North Texas.

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

The Rev. Gilbert Caldwell poses with his wife Grace, and sons Dale and Paul in front of Bryantville United Methodist Church.

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

Bishop Woodie W. White (center) crosses the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, during the 50th anniversary observance in 2011 of Bloody Sunday. With him are his wife, Kim (right), Ruby Shinhoster and Beth Clarke. Photo by Mike DuBose, United Methodist Communications.

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

Erin Hawkins, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race, speaks on May 10 to the United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS

Religion and Race top executive to stay on

Erin Hawkins pointed to news of racial unrest as a reason to remain in her current denominational leadership role. Read More

Jeremaih (left) and Jeremain Robinson remove a waterlogged table from a home that was heavily damaged by flooding in Baton Rouge, La. The 16-year-old twins were part of a volunteer team from First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS

Baton Rouge church fixing ‘holy, beautiful messes’

A United Methodist church straddling a line between racially divided neighborhoods is repairing flooded homes and, hopefully, relationships. Read More

A Freedom School volunteer reads with a young scholar at Summit on 16th United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ohio. Freedom Schools “build strong, literate, and empowered children.” Photo by Gwen Kisker, United Methodist Communications.

Freedom Schools Shape Students’ Lives

United Methodists staff and support Freedom Schools to empower young scholars to become tomorrow's leaders. View

The Rev. James Lawson talks about Black Lives Matter and the civil rights movement during a break from teaching at the Children Defense Fund’s Proctor Institute in Clinton, Tenn. UMNS photo by Mike DuBose

Lawson: Black Lives Matter shows need for change

The Rev. James Lawson says the movement is an extension of the social awakening that started with the civil rights movement. Read More

The Rev. James Lawson: Civil Rights and Black Lives Matter

United Methodist leader reflects on the long fight for justice. “You have to allow history to move at its own pace.” View

At the end of an ecumenical “Prayer Walk for Racial Peace,” organizers and some marchers are shown under one of the rainbows that came out at the end of the march. Photo courtesy of Michael Beck

Prayer walk for racial peace unites community

A United Methodist pastor in Florida says ecumenical work around racial justice has changed his city. Read More

Talking about race: United Methodist pastor’s tips

Multiple shootings and mounting tension in the U.S. have many asking “What can we say?” Church leader from Ferguson has advice. Read More

Pastors led a July 7 prayer vigil after Alton Sterling was killed by police in Baton Rouge, La. Photo courtesy of Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Louisiana United Methodists join in prayer after shooting

Pastors led prayer vigil after Alton Sterling was killed by police. “We offered a witness...that the church cares about injustice,” said the Rev. Susie Thomas. Read More

What the Church Says

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

Resources

Image of sign at protest reacting to death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. Courtesy of United Methodist General Commission on Religion and Race.

Resources About Race

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

Children talk about how to overcome evil by embracing love. Video image courtesy of United Methodist Communications.

Advice from Children: Embrace Love

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

Cynthia Kent, chairperson of the Native American Intl. Caucus, helps lead worship at the Pre-General Conference Briefing in Portland, Ore. Photo by Mike DuBose.

Racial Justice Articles: United Methodist Women

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

The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society address the 2016 United Methodist General Conference May 16 in Portland, Ore. Crowe helped present the report on the denomination's Four Areas of Focus for ministry. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

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

Robin DiAngelo hosts a discussion about racism on video by the General Commission on Religion and Race. Image courtesy of GCORR.

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

Image of single candle. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

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

Cover of a timeline for racial justice, created by United Methodist Women. Courtesy United Methodist Women.

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 resource helps participants become more sensitive to exclusion. Courtesy of Commission on Religion and Race.

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

A mother and daughter pray. Photo by bigbirdz, Flickr.com.

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

Photo illustration of empty table. Image courtesy of the General Commission on Religion and Race.

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

Rev. Sherry Cothran Woosley greets people after the service at West Nashville United Methodist Church. A UMNS photo by Kathleen Barry.

Radical Welcome Defined

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

Eyechart with glasses. Photo copyright Ken Teegardin, Flickr.com. Creative Commons license.

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

Participants at a Feb. 28, 2013 prayer vigil at Chardon United Methodist Church in Ohio found solace in sharing stories and concerns. Photo by John Eltzroth, Chardon United Methodist Church.

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

Parishioners of predominantly white Foundry United Methodist Church and predominantly black Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington greet each other during a 'service of confession and repentance.' A UMNS photo © Jay Mallin.

Affirm Diversity, Challenge Racism

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

Person writing. Image copyright slav / iStockPhoto.com.

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

Topic: United Methodists seek racial justice

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Useful Links

Related Articles

Ways United Methodists can take a stand against racism

Five tips to help address racism with children

At Sunday worship, pastors decry racism

Remembering our baptismal vows in the face of racism

Bishop Ough’s Statement about Charlottesville

Church shelters protesters amid deadly turmoil

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

Church Builds Harmony Through Student Debate

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

Dallas church gets serious about racial healing

Gilbert Caldwell: Voice for Justice and Human Rights

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

Religion and Race top executive to stay on

Baton Rouge church fixing ‘holy, beautiful messes’

Freedom Schools Shape Students’ Lives

Lawson: Black Lives Matter shows need for change

The Rev. James Lawson: Civil Rights and Black Lives Matter

Prayer walk for racial peace unites community

Talking about race: United Methodist pastor’s tips

Louisiana United Methodists join in prayer after shooting

What the Church Says

Rights of Racial and Ethnic Groups

White Privilege in the United States

Global Racism and Xenophobia

Affirmative Action

Responsibilities for Eradication of Racism

A Charter for Racial Justice Policies in an Interdependent Global Community

Resources

Resources About Race

Advice from Children: Embrace Love

Racial Justice Articles: United Methodist Women

An Open Letter to Jeff Sessions

Deconstructing White Privilege: A Discussion Guide

A Faithful Witness in Divided Times

A Racial Justice Timeline

Name That Feeling: A Group Exercise

Responding to Children’s Fears

How to help children after a crisis

5 Ways of Diversifying the Table

Radical Welcome Defined

Diversity Training: What We Do Not See

Racism: Conversation Toward Action Circles

Resources for Widen the Circle: A Call to Beloved Community

Communities of Shalom: Building and Renewing Community Life

Helping children cope with violence

Affirm Diversity, Challenge Racism

Personal Assessment Tool

Discussion questions: White Privilege

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