ANTI-RACISM TEAM

The Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, by action of the triennial convention, is committed to developing an anti-racist identity, and antiracism programming is a priority for the organization and its executive board.

But it doesn't end there. It Begins with you. The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said "Most people are thermometers that record or register the temperature of majority opinion, not thermostats that transform and regulate the temperature in society..." For us, this suggests that we all have a responsibility to help fulfill the mandate of cross-cultural programming, anti-racism education and developing mutually enriching cross-cultural relationships that can bear fruit not only within our congregations but with society.

The Women of the ELCA and the Anti-Racism Educators realize that we all have said, "racism does not exist here within our congregations." But we would like to challenge you to be open to the possibilities of the systemic issues that happen that we don't even realize. And as members of the body of Christ, we would like to journey with you to introduce new ways of opening the door.

WELCA has worked hard to ensure that TDTR - Today's Dream Tomorrow's Reality workshops are available in many areas. Workshop leaders can adapt workshop materials to your needs and provide workshops of varying lenghts.

A one-day workshop features:

Bible study based on Acts 10, which begins each of four sessions

Definition of "racism" and recognizing God's call to battle against it

Introductions to concepts of "institutional racism," "white privilege" and "cultural conditioning"

 

We have:

- Revised Material with flexable formats

- "Bridging the Gap" event focusing on educating youth - middle school age and up

You are challenged to:

- Commit to growth in this ministry

- Promote healing and wholeness in the church, community and the world

- Be transformed and make a Difference

Contact Team Co-Coordinator: Laurie Nelson - 716-665-4871 or 716-499-7166 - Jamestown

Laurie has finished her second term on the Upstate NY Synod Women of the ELCA Board and continues as the Anti-Racism Co-Coordinator. Involved with the Women of the ELCA since 1997, she has served her local conference as Financial Secretary, Communications Liaision and Synodical Board Representative. She is actively involved in Bethlehem Lutheran church in Falconer as a Church Council Member, Lay Reader and Communion Assistant, also serving on Altar Guild, Mission Team and Christain Education. She has been married for 25 years and has three children. She enjoys motorcyling, traveling, reading and family and friend time.

Co-Coordinator: Cynthia Rivera - 518-829-7166 - Fort Hunter

Cynthia was elected to the Upstate NY Synod Women of the ELCA Board at the convention in 2006. She is currently serving as a Upstate NY Synod Council Member and is also serving on its Anti-Racism Team. In her congregation, she is a deacon, in the church choir, on the Evangelism and Worship and Music Committees, teaches Sunday and Vacation Bible School and serves on the Alter Guild. She has been married for 33 years and has two daughters and 2 grandchildren.

Team Members:

-- Nan Richard --- 315-337-7230 --- Rome

Nan has been committed to anti-racism for 20 years. She is a former member of the Synodical and Churchwide Women of the ELCA boards. Presently she serves as a deacon at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Verona, and a Bible Study and Retreat Leader. She is an active volunteer in her community. She enjoys writing, word games, gardening and sewing when not busy sharing her faith and enjoying her five children and ten grandchildren.

-- Iona Jones --- 585-425-1874 --- Rochester

Iona has been involved with Lutheran women since 1985. She joined the Anti-Racism Team in 2004. She is actively involved in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fairport as a lay reader, communion assistant, music and worship committee and church council. She was born in Guyana, South America and moved to the USA in 1960. She had been married for 42 years and has 2 children. After 35 years as a registered nurse, she is now retired but continues as a nurse volunteer. She enjoys people, bowling and church activities.

-- Pr. Imani Dodly --- 585-617-4506 - 585-200-0077 --- Rochester

Imani was ordained in 2005 and installed at Trinity Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Rochester. She has worked towards the idea of "reclaiming the great commission - Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them to obey everything that I have commanded you (Matt 18:16-20). Her passion is for evangelism, anti racism and women's rights.

We look forward to hearing from you!!

 

Today's Dream: Tomorrow's Reality workshops are available and can be adapted to meet you needs and provide workshops of varying lengths.

Call to schedule a presentation of their program for your conference or unit meeting.

The team is always looking for new members, contact Laurie or Cynthia and they will arrange for you to review the materials and then be properly trained.