The Anti-Racism Commission's monthly newsletter goes out to all ARC supporters and training participants. Please forward it to others who might benefit from our resources and workshops. And check out our blog site for past articles, training information and ongoing resources.

If you have any questions, please contact The Rev. Canon Jordan Casson (rector@stmichaelsyeadon.org), Canon for Peace and Reconciliation.

Sat. May 14, 2022 from 2 to 5 pm

The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 23 S 38th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Click here for more information.

Please note: In order to ensure COVID safety during this in-person singing event, proof of COVID vaccination must be provided at the door. Separation and masking will be maintained by workshop participants. During the closing prayer service, the fully vaccinated Intermezzo Choir will sing without masks but with separation. The Cathedral has been certified as exceeding standards for air circulation, with HEPA filters.

If you have any questions, please contact Thomas Lloyd (tlloyd@philadelphiacathedral.org), Canon for Music and the Arts, Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral.

Sat. May 28 from 9 am to 12 pm on Zoom

Fee: $15. Scholarships available.

This prerequisite training explores the multi-layered manifestations of systemic racism.

The Anti-Racism Commission is here to connect you to trainings, resources and support that are rooted in our baptismal covenant. The next training will be Racism and Institutions on Jul. 30.

Prayer for a New Beginning by The Rev. Anna E. Rossi

In the beginning you beamed light that shines in the darkest hour, Light that no darkness could overcome:

Pierce the soul of this nation with your light, And enlighten everyone with your divine wisdom.

Pierce the soul of this nation with your light,

And blind the demons of violence and hate.

Pierce the soul of this nation with your light,

That our chests draw in hope

And our hands grasp with strength

And our innards gird with all their might

And our hearts pump the lifeblood

Of an unlikely, luminous new beginning being born.

Amen.

This prayer came from Grace Cathedral San Francisco. More prayers for racial justice can be found on our blog THE ARC.

• Resurrection Hope by Dean Kelly Brown Douglas
• I'm Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
• White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson

TED Talks about direct work and deeper impact

• Juliana Mosley: Cultural Humility (17 mins)
• Phillip Atiba Goff: How we can make racism a solvable problem -- and improve policing (13 mins)
• Anthony Jack: On Diversity: Access Ain’t Inclusion (13 mins)

Anti-racism podcasts you can listen to while being productive

• Be Antiracist with Ibram X. Kendi
• Getting Even with Anita Hill
• Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast

• How To Write A Land Acknowledgement For Your Parish
• The Church, Protest, & Standing With
• How to start an Antiracist Book Group When Starting a Book Group Isn’t Enough
• Webinar: Addressing Racial Injustice: Equipping Congregations: Faith Communities Address Diversity and Racial Justice

The Anti-Racism Commission was created by diocesan convention resolution in 2005 with the mandate “to affect the systemic and institutional transformation in the diocese away from the sin of racism and toward the fulfillment of the Gospel and the baptismal mandate to strive for justice and respect the dignity of all persons.”

Consisting of 12 members, a mix of clergy and lay and persons of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, the commission aims to increase awareness of the history and legacy of racism in our country and to engage members of the diocese in dismantling its effects.

To learn more about how ARC can help your parish engage in the work of racial justice and repair, contact The Rev. Barbara Ballenger (barbballenger@gmail.com) or The Rev. Ernie Galaz (frernie@christchurchmedia.org), ARC co-chairs.