Racial Justice
As an historically white denomination, we find it incredibly important to stand in solidarity with Communities of Color, to the best of our ability. We try to listen and learn.Racial Justice Mission Statement
“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Our Mission
We walk together in the path of Jesus to create a racially equitable spiritual community within and beyond our walls.
Values
Truth and honesty • Respect • Solidarity• Humility • Community • Empathy • Inclusion • Growth • Connection • Justice and Equity • Fairness
Our Action Steps
- White people will educate each other about the origins and effects of white supremacy and white privilege.
- Conduct Racial Justice training in First Church with the aim of including the congregation in racial equity work; everyone has a role.
- Work with other local racial justice organizations.
- Center the voices of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color.
We examine our exclusionary beliefs and change our behavior to act in ways that are inclusionary so that we collectively eradicate racial harm.
Racial Justice Resource List
NAACP-First Church Partnership
Sacred Conversations on Race
Mass Incarceration
As the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ, we passed a resolution of “Implementation to End Mass Incarceration for Non-Violent Offenses.” Our role in the local churches is to discern how best to stand to this. At First Church, one thing we do is we spend time with kids in the Connecticut Juvenile Training School, as well as try to educate ourselves and our communities about this injustice.