About 60 clergy and laity from around the Conference participated in an open space Zoom forum hosted by the White Privilege Focus Group on Aug. 19, 2020. 

Four presenters introduced different possible approaches for responding to the challenges of dismantling racism and/or addressing white privilege. They were:

• Systemic Racism – led by Rev. Leigh Goodrich
• Education/Book Study – led by Rene Wilbur
• Reparations – led by Rev. Ralph Howe and Rev. Pat MacHugh
• Actions for White People – led by Rev. Effie McAvoy and Rev. Stewart Lanier

 Forum participants chose groups and joined breakout sessions to share ideas and discern next steps.
 
Each group will now begin a life of its own. Some will have a particular task they will seek to accomplish; some will do individual work, and others are organizing group/community events and will invite persons to participate and/or take action. These opportunities will be advertised to the Conference via our e-news and social media channels. 

Anti-Racism Town Hall Meetings

In the meantime, the White Privilege Focus Group encourages everyone to watch the Anti-racism Town Halls hosted by the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR). Recordings/links can be found here: www.umc.org/EndRacism
 
Resources for anti-racism work for yourself and groups can be found on this website at: https://www.neumc.org/CCORR
 
The group leaders plan to meet on a monthly basis to report in and hold one another accountable to this ongoing work. Watch our channels for further updates from the White Privilege Focus Group and for opportunities to participate in this work.