"Do no harm. Do good.  Attend to the ordinances of God." - John Wesley

Joint Church Anti-Racism Ministry

Together, Fairmount Avenue UMC, Immanuel Lutheran, Mac-Plymouth United Congregation, and Pilgrim Lutheran have joined for a justice learning and activism journey united by our faith and the land that we occupy.  Over the course of the next year (fall 2020- fall 2021,) we will grow in our understanding of colonial history through books, films and speakers.  We will engage in acts of repentance and repair through meaningful partnerships and service.  We will work towards a more just and healed world. 
Our dream is become communities that build a more antiracist neighborhood. 

Shared Liturgical Prayer*

One:  As many parts of Christ’s one body, people drawn from every tribe, every nation, every language:
All:  We are neighbors, called to love our neighbor.
One: Some of us indigenous people. Some refugees, immigrants or children of immigrants;   Some Black, brown, white, people of all colors;
All:  We are neighbors, called to love our neighbor.
One: Each of us are children of God, beloved, made in the full image of God.
All:  We are neighbors, called to love our neighbor.
One:  The earth is God’s, as is everything that is in it. Our use of its resources is both a gift and responsibility. 
All:  We are neighbors, called to love our neighbor.
One:  Our relationship to the land is bound in our love for one another, caring for, stewarding, protecting, and sharing.
All:  We are neighbors, called to love our neighbor.
​One:  Together, let us serve God’s vision of healing and justice.
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*written in cooperation by Rev. Adam Blons, Rev. Cindy Bullock, Rev. Shawna Horn, and Rev. Carol Tomer

Anti Racism Book Discussions

Through the year we will be reading books to grow in our understanding of the history of indigenous people in Minnesota and the impact of colonialism as well as books about our community and the impacts of racism. 
Currently, a small group is reading "On this Spirit Walk,"  by Henrietta Mann and Anita Phillips for the Lenten season.  

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Go on your own learning journey... with a list of curated resources for all ages. 

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Read the Fairmount Avenue UMC Response statement to the killing of George Floyd and add your name to the public statement below. 

Fairmount Avenue UMC Racial Injustice Response and Action Plan

After the unjust death of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police officers, several Black Clergy, Civil Rights Leaders, and other faith leaders gathered to form and support a joint action plan for faith communities to then inform their own responses.  
This group decided on four points to center this work, included are the actions supporting this work by the community of Fairmount Avenue UMC. This ministry will continue to evolve and grow as we listen to community leaders and people most impacted by racism.

1. Sweep our Streets (initial cleanup)

• Sign up to participate in on going work of partnering with organizations doing important physical work and projects in our community.  As project requests and needs are made known, we will reach out to activate volunteers.    

2. Secure our Streets (protest with respect for property and Covid protocols)

•  Here is a list of resources gathered by the MN UMC Annual Conference.
• Here is a community shared document of resources. (As this is a list from community organizers outside of FAUMC, please vet any action item or resource on this list before pursuing.)  Before participating in any protest or community action, always check the source of information. 
• Protesting Tips:  Go with a buddy.  Know who is around you.  Know who is leading you.  Look to and lift up voices of people most impacted by racial injustice.  (If that is not you, it's time to listen.) 

 
3. Serve our Streets (some food sources have been destroyed)

•  See information about the Love Your Neighbor Food Drives being held at Fairmount Avenue UMC and Hamline UMC.  These collection efforts will benefit Bethlehem Lutheran's emergency responses.  
• Support local businesses, especially Black Owned Businesses and businesses owned by people of color. Here is the City Pages list. 
• Continue to support Keystone Community Services, Simpson Housing Services, Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul, Emma Norton Services, and Sheridan Story. 

 
4. Save our Streets (by legal and legislative actions)

• Continuing Education Opportunities and Resources: Many of these resources are starting points.  This is not an exhaustive list.  Also please check the sources and information, this is a compiled list of resources and are not necessarily from a faith-based perspective.  
  • A good article on being an ally.
  • A good Google Doc about understanding cultural identity and anti-racism understanding scaffolding.
  • Read a book.  Here is a  solid reading list.
  • Anti-racism Resources
  • Children's Reading List on the topic of racism and discrimination.
  • Time Magazine's Reading list compiled by black publishers and authors. 
  • A Book list for dismantling racism.  (This is not an endorsement of a bookstore, but it is a good book list.)
  • Community Reading Group of White Fragility.  Details coming soon.
  • Resources from the General Commission on Religion and Race of the UMC
  • Webinar offered by UMC Discipleship Ministries on June 9.
  • Minnesota Council of Churches has great information. 
  • Isaiah.org is an interfaith organization doing justice and advocacy work.
  • Listen to a Ted Talk.
  • A good video explaining systemic racism. 
  • Did you read this OpEd by Kareem Abdul-Jabar?
  • Hands On Twin Cities has great resources - List of community organizations doing great work. 
  • Organizations with good resources. 
  • Some lists of books and movies to consider.
  • Learning our local story, Rondo History.
  • Uprising MN, Resources of all areas of Racial Justice Advocacy.
  • A list of organizations doing justice and advocacy work.
  • Black Owned Business List
• Sign the public letter from FAUMC.  
• ​Sphere of Influence Systemic Accountability.  (See below.)