Race Justice Us Header[1].png

Resources for compassionate conversation and sustained action.

For 40 days, the St. Paul’s community committed to a season of prayer and listening to be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit and open to one another as we sought to be aware of our bias and to work against racism. Our season of prayer and listening was centered on God and Black voices to renew and attune our hearts and minds to the life-long journey toward justice. Day Forty-One is marked by a virtual prayer vigil of 24 hours of collective prayer for Black lives.

 Below are two sections that detail opportunities for group conversation and action as well as a working list of suggested resources.

Group Conversation & Action block 2.png

Lead an already existing group or class to focus on anti-racism together:

  • Follow Rachel Cargle’s Do the Work 30-day course together. It’s 30 days of a more critical knowledge, 30 days of radical empathy, 30 days of meaningful action that are just the start of your unlearning and allyship.

  • Do the month-long workbook that goes with Layla Saad’s Me and White Supremacy

  • Use any of the resources listed in the Suggested Resources section below

Become involved with an existing anti-racism community or group that is currently focused on anti-racism:

  • St. Paul’s Moms - The new study focuses on identifying implicit bias in our parenting as we strive to raise children with better awareness of social justice. Use the form below to sign up.

  • her | meneutics - Gather with a community of women who are committed to maturing spiritually and cultivating a network of support and belonging. This season we are working through Willie Jennings commentary on Acts as we share a spiritual practice each week that is centered around our implicit bias. Use the form below to sign up.

  • Houston chapter of SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice)

Become a part of a new group with the St. Paul’s community (sign up located below):

  •  Missions Cohorts for Racial Justice

    There is no denying that there is much work to be done, with an almost infinite amount of possibilities with which we can affect change to bring about a more just society. As a community of faith, our work is to figure out how God is calling St. Paul’s to join in building God’s good future.

    Missions Cohorts are for those who are serious about taking action for racial justice and who are willing to learn and unlearn toward that action. If you would like to be a part of a cohort and to shape St. Paul’s actions of racial justice, sign up on the form below to participate in the Mission Cohort.

  • Beyond the Book: An Anti-Racism Learning Group

    You can’t just join a book group and expect to become anti-racist or expect racism to suddenly disappear. However, it is critical to unlearn false truths about race and justice and to learn how to move in the world in a more equitable and just way. In doing so we can work together to learn about and change racist structures that impact our community.

    This group will cover books on race and justice and learn more about their related topics and spaces of action. Books include Just Mercy, How to Be an Anti-Racist, So You Want to Talk About Race, and I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness. Beyond the Book will meet the 4th Sunday of each month from 1-3pm. While the St. Paul’s campus is closed, this group will meet via Zoom. The group will alternate reading months and working months. To sign up, use the form below.

  • Anti-Racism Healing Art Circles

    Explore emotions and responses to current events in a safe environment utilizing art therapy exercises for the healing of racism. You do not need any previous art experience to join. For more information or to register, email hspaw@stpaulshouston.org or use the sign up form below.

suggested-resources.jpg

I’m new to this and not sure where to begin

I don’t know how to talk About White Supremacy

I Want to learn more about the History of Racism + How it Impacts Today

I want to learn about the history of race in the United Methodist Church

I Want to ensure that the books my child reads are diverse and anti-bias

  • Use this diverse book finder to locate picture books that feature Black and Indigenous people and People of Color. 

  • When examining your child’s reading list, you may use this guide to select anti-bias children’s books.

I Would like more resources to talk with my child about racism

I am looking for resources for youth

I have worked on anti-bias and anti-racism for a long time + I am very tired. how do justice + Sabbath interact?

We know that this work is so very tiring. If you are Black, a person of color, or white, this journey is exhausting in different, incomparable ways. We care for you and your spirit.

Online Resources:

Are there resources you are looking for that you haven’t found here? Are there resources that you would like to suggest? Email faithformation@stpaulshouston.org to let us know!

anti-bias.jpg
Copy of anti-racism.jpg