This year, 10,000 people gathered on the National Mall to commit to finish the work of ending racism.
In one of the largest convenings ever held by the National Council of Churches, a multi-year initiative was launched in April to awaken, confront, and transform the racism that pervades our relationships, our institutions, our churches, and ourselves.
The NCC and its coalition of over 50 partners recognize that the faith community and those of moral conscience have a specific responsibility to address and eliminate racism, but also unique gifts that enable them to do so. “As we look at our society today, it is painfully evident that the soul of our nation needs healing. We must not only pray, but take concrete action to realize and achieve racial and social justice, and we cannot possibly put an end to racism unless we commit to change at all levels — including within the faith community,” said Bishop W. Darin Moore, chair of the Governing Board for NCC.
“Christian churches, present in every town and community across the country, are both part of the problem and the solution. The NCC and our partners are committed to addressing the systemic evil that many Christians and church institutions have yet to fully acknowledge,” said Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, Director of the Truth and Racial Justice Initiative for the NCC.
“We have for too long lived under the scourge of racism in our society. To begin the process of healing our nation, we as Christians must join with people of all faiths in holding ourselves accountable for our complicity, and commit to righting the wrongs,” said Jim Winkler, President and General Secretary of the NCC.
The National Council of Churches is there.
The conversations begun in April moved forward. The Council's "Christian Unity Gathering" took next steps to muster the strength of our churches, first by awakening to the history of racism present in our congregations and institutions.
It will be a long journey, but we believe God has called us to this moment and has equipped the churches with unique gifts for addressing racism in ourselves and our society.
Please join us by making a donation to the National Council of Churches today.
