Justice & Reconciliation

RISE! Training

Antiracism Ethics Training is the Clergy Ethics Training for the quadrennium through June 2024, and thus it is mandatory for all clergy in the Western North Carolina Conference. The training will be facilitated by RISE! (Race: an In-depth Spiritual Examination) trainers. Each clergy person is to have a lay leader participate in the training. This inclusion of laity will foster more effective change in congregational culture.

We are offering nine RISE! Workshops in the spring of 2023. One of these workshops will be offered virtually and eight workshops will be in-person.

The 2-day in-person RISE! Workshops will take place from 10am-6pm both days.

The Virtual RISE! Workshop will include self-paced lessons, online small group discussions, and scheduled Zoom meetings spanning approximately 12 days.

To learn more about RISE! Training and to register, click here.

"What Is" Series

As humanity’s understanding and discussion of the concepts of race, racism, and antiracism have evolved over generations, so have the words and phrases we use as we continue the work of obeying God and advancing racial justice.

In this “What Is?” series, the General Commission on Religion and Race offers this compilation of concise definitions, examples, and Biblical/theological foundations to create common vocabulary for Christians as we engage in anti-racism work.

Our hope, as you engage this series, is that the learning equips you to move into deeper waters in anti-racism work in your respective context.

Click here for more information on the "What Is" series and download other anti-racism resources.

Racial Healing and Reconciliation Reference Guide

The Racial Health and Reconciliation Learning Cohort Guide Team has prepared a Reference Guide for Local Churches interested in pursuing racial healing and reconciliation, which includes information from the program, lessons learned from the pilot program, and support resources for moving forward in action.

Click here to download the Guide.

The Justice and Reconciliation Team is one of four ministries that relate to the Vision Alignment Team. This team promotes excellence and fruitfulness in congregational life and ecclesial structures that reflect full diversity, works of justice, and participation by all people. A number of advocacy agencies relate to this work including interreligious concerns, Religion and Race, Commission on the Status and Role of Women, Church and Society, Health and Human Services institutions and the Committees on African American, Asian American, Native American and Hispanic Ministries. This work takes place primarily at the local church level. For more information, please contact the Conference Office 704.535.2260