I wanted to share about this conference hosted at my seminary, Truett, on Baylor’s campus. This is their 3rd and final year of the 3-year conference on racism. Their purpose “seeks to outline and identify problems of racism in the American Christian church” (copied from the conference page here). I have personally attend the last two years and each year the conference and it’s speakers have been very informative and presented their topics with care. The previous year’s recordings on YouTube are linked below as well for your review, learning, and conversation.
Why do I care about this?
As a hospital and former hospice chaplain, patients open up about a lot of topics with me, including race. I found that surprising to continue to hear about the topic of race when I am with them (when there are plenty of other topics we could discuss). Frankly speaking, this topic and the many different experiences and perspectives that others have shared with me have caused me to do more of my own learning so that I could better care for myself, as well as care for others in my role as a hospital chaplain and as a Christian minister. Over time, I have embraced that this is a topic that people want to talk about but don’t seem to have outlets to do it and to explore their thoughts and reactions with others. As a trained spiritual director, I believe that when I am the person that God sends to be with others, they eventually open up about the things on their mind that maybe they don’t get the opportunity to talk about openly with others. I consider it an honor and a privilege to journey with them in these conversations. This also causes me to keep returning back to God in my own personal reflections, learning, and growth.
If you are curious or wanting to learn more about race or are in the throes of communicating with others directly and indirectly about race and issues/products of racism impacting the American (and global) church – perhaps these conferences could be helpful to give you more to consider and discuss with those around you. What might God be inviting you to see in this season? May we all have ears to hear what we each need to hear. May we have courage to do what we each are called to do. Give us space Lord and patience to bear with others so that we can be refined by You, for Your glory, and for the love and flourishing of one another.
Oh Lord, hear our prayer.
Amen.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or comments. I plan to attend in-person again this year as well (God-willing).
Sejana
| ☞ Racism in the World Church Conference |
| February 15 – 17, Truett Seminary, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, and Online Baylor University invites you to join the third annual conference on racism in the church. Attendees will hear from speakers like Anthony Reddie, Ralph Douglas West, Mimi Haddad, and Walter Kim, with participation from Truett Dean Todd D. Still and Baylor professors Beth Allison Barr, Greg Garrett, and Stephanie Boddie. Baylor students and faculty are offered free registration. Additional information can be found on the website. |
2024- “Racism in the World Conference” Truett Seminary & Online Feb 15-17th schedule and info here https://truettseminary.baylor.edu/events-resources/conferences-seminars-events/racism-world-church
2023 – “Time to Wake Up” Racism in the White Church conference https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCw5JU5PrBMTh6qBeyNKwbpFAKt6YtPKz&si=tRzyZxP3yepylPE6
2022- “Do We Want to be Healed?” Racism in the White Church conference https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCw5JU5PrBMQVo06woE3VZxN8LDgnQLol&si=blGZ5QRGbZOag2A_
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