by Christopher Schouten, Southwest Conference Decentering Whiteness Task Force
The Decentering Whiteness Task Force of the Southwest Conference of the UCC will be present at the 2025 Annual Meeting in Albuquerque. We will be offering a workshop titled “Calling People In,” a method designed to address problematic behaviors or statements, especially those rooted in racial bias, with compassion and education rather than public shaming. In the context of racial justice and decentering whiteness, this approach fosters accountability while recognizing that everyone is on a learning journey, prioritizing understanding and growth over punitive measures. This seeks to create a safer space for dialogue, particularly for those from marginalized groups, by fostering a learning environment where individuals can recognize and correct their biases, thus shifting away from a culture that protects white comfort at the expense of addressing systemic inequity. Additionally, we will host a table with various resources to support churches in their quest for decentering whiteness, both personally and within their congregations.
We will also be revamping the Decentering Whitness Resources section of the conference website in order to offer a comprehensive set of ideas and tools for decentering whiteness in the church and in our own lives. This article is an example of the kinds of resources we will make available, providing a starting point for deeper reflection and action.
Introduction
Our journey towards racial justice and decentering whiteness is a dual path, demanding both personal introspection and communal accountability, particularly within our church communities. As individuals, we must confront the ways white privilege has shaped our lives. As a church, we must examine how our institutions and practices have perpetuated racial inequality. This article is designed to facilitate this dual reflection, providing separate sets of critical questions for personal and church-wide consideration. By engaging with these questions, we can move towards a deeper understanding and take meaningful action for racial justice.
Part 1: Personal Reflection on White Privilege
Introduction:
This section focuses on individual self-examination, encouraging white individuals to confront their own experiences and biases related to race.
10 Critical Questions for Personal Reflection:
- When was the first time you became aware of your own race, and what were the circumstances?
- How has your racial identity shaped your access to opportunities (education, housing, employment, etc.)?
- What are some instances where you’ve been treated as an individual, while people of color were treated as representatives of their entire race?
- How have you benefited from a system that historically and currently disadvantages people of color?
- In what ways have you been silent or complicit in the face of racial injustice, even if unintentionally?
- How have you perpetuated stereotypes or microaggressions, even if you didn’t intend to cause harm?
- What are the limitations of your current understanding of race and racism, and what steps are you taking to expand your knowledge?
- How do you center the voices and experiences of people of color in your life and work?
- What specific actions are you taking to dismantle white supremacy and promote racial justice in your sphere of influence?
- How will you hold yourself accountable for continued growth and avoid reverting to harmful patterns of thought or behavior?
Part 2: Church-Wide Reflection on Racial Justice
Introduction:
This section focuses on communal reflection within the church, encouraging congregations to examine their role in perpetuating or dismantling racial inequality.
10 Critical Questions for Church-Wide Reflection:
- How has our church’s history and demographics reflected or perpetuated racial segregation or exclusion?
- How do our church’s programs and outreach initiatives address or fail to address the needs of racially diverse communities?
- How do we ensure that the voices and experiences of people of color are centered and valued in our worship, leadership, and decision-making?
- How has our church benefited from or been complicit in systems of racial oppression, both historically and in the present?
- In what ways has our church remained silent or inactive in addressing racial injustice within our community and beyond?
- How might our church’s language, imagery, and traditions perpetuate harmful stereotypes or microaggressions?
- What resources and educational opportunities are we providing to help our congregation deepen their understanding of race and racism?
- How are we actively building relationships with and supporting the leadership of people of color within our church and community?
- What specific actions are we taking as a church to dismantle white supremacy and promote racial justice within our congregation and community?
- How will we hold ourselves accountable as a church for continued growth and avoid reverting to harmful patterns of thought or behavior regarding race?
Conclusion:
This process of self-examination and communal reflection is not a one-time event, but an ongoing commitment. It requires vulnerability, a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, and a dedication to continuous learning. By engaging with these questions, both personally and as a church community, we can move beyond passive awareness and actively contribute to building a more just and equitable society, reflecting the true nature of God’s love and justice. Remember, the goal is not to dwell in guilt or shame, but to transform understanding into meaningful action, fostering a church that truly embodies the unity and reconciliation envisioned in our faith. This is a journey of lifelong learning, and the commitment to this path, both individually and collectively, is what truly creates lasting change within ourselves and within our church.