Crashing Waters.
Holy Ground.
Conversations about racism within the Church.
In its Statement on Anti-Black Violence and Racism (June 8, 2020), Shining Waters Regional Council made the following commitment:
“An action plan for how Shining Waters Regional Council will address the pandemic of racism within our midst will be released after an intentional first phase of listening to the experiences and expectations of racialized members within the Region.”
In anticipation of the Annual General Meeting, and as part of an “initial first phase” of consultation, Shining Waters Regional Council will be offering an opportunity to engage in a discussion about racism (both observed and experienced) within the church. You are invited to one of two conversations: the first for members who identify themselves as White, and the second, for members who identify themselves as Racialized or BIPOC.
We hope grouping members in this way allows for greater safety as we deeply and authentically explore the ways in which racism continues to manifest within the United Church of Canada. These conversations will help shape the future work of the Regional Council as we strive to become an anti-racist church.
Join us for a facilitated conversation about racism, and the journey towards being an anti-racist church.
We will be discussing the following questions:
- Where have you seen racism occurring within the church?
- How are you, as a white person, being challenged in conversations around racism within the Church?
- What do you need for your own ongoing anti-racism work?
- What are you willing to do to help the Regional Council become anti-racist?
The conversation will happen through a combination of both plenary and small group discussions.
Registration for this event is now closed. Thank you for your interest.
Facilitator: Pegi Ridout
Pegi Ridout is an experienced Intentional Interim Minister who has led rural, urban and suburban churches in the Mississauga, Kitchener, Niagara triangle. She is on the faculty of the Interim Ministry Network, chairs the Credentialing Committee of the Office of Vocation, and is active with Five Oaks Centre in its mission to build interfaith community. She has trained extensively with the Kaleidoscope Institute in both its key areas of Holy Currencies: creating missional and sustainable ministries; and Building Bridges: facilitating dialogue across differences, especially around racism. Pegi identifies racially as white European with English and Scottish heritage. She has deep roots in Toronto going back to the mid 18th century and was ordained by Toronto Conference 41 years ago
Nick Coates – Chaplain
Nick Coates finds his joy helping people explore what it means to be human and alive in this world. He is the minister at Red Deer Lake United Church in Calgary, a spiritual director, and the co-host of Prayer & Private Parts: a Podcast about Sex and Jesus.