Racism demeans, denigrates and destroys the gift of life and the image of God in all of us. For the Christian, the work of being anti-racist personally and institutionally is a sign of our commitment to see and affirm the image of God in every person and in all people. It is our choosing to live in the power of God’s work of resurrection and reconciliation.
What Can My Church Do?
West Ohio is committed to helping clergy, ministry leaders, churches and laity work across difference. Our programs and resources are available to help your church better connect with their community.
- September 20, 2020: Anti-Racism Sunday Resources
- All in Community/Restorative Justice
- Connection Blueprint
- Community Engagement Experience
- West Ohio Cultural Coaching
West Ohio Voices
There is value in hearing from leaders in West Ohio about how we as a conference can speak about injustice. Watch, listen and read our leaders’ insights and prophetic calls to action.
- June 9, 2020 Episcopal Address
- Bishop Palmer’s Faith and Works Series
- Mitchell Harper, West Ohio Conference Lay Leader statement on righteous anger
- Race and the Church in 2020: A Discussion with United Methodist Bishops
- Andres DeArco’s reflections
- F. Willis Johnson “how to” article
- Juneteenth by Dr. Valerie Bridgeman
- Documentaries
United Methodist Resources
The United Methodist Church recognizes racism as a sin. We commit to challenging unjust systems of power and access. Learn how the United Methodist Church has been leading in this work and our action items for the coming years.
- What one of the founders of evangelism can tell us about racism – Washington Post
- Statement from General Secretaries
- What Does the UMC Say About Racism?
- End Racism
- End Racism press release
- Resources for Racial Justice
- Dismantling Racism resources
- United Methodist Baptismal Covenant
- United Methodist Social Principles: Racism
- GCORR - Implicit Bias Resources
Books – for personal study and small groups
Use these resources to create your personal or group reading list. Local churches are encouraged to start reading and conversation groups; these book lists cover an array of topics.
Devotions and Reflections
God’s heart breaks at the brokenness in this world. You can use these readings and resources for your personal prayer practice and small group devotions.
Sermons and Preaching Resources
These worship and preaching planning tools are available for your local church’s planning processes. If you are looking for a worship series or preaching plan, these outlines are suitable for any point in the liturgical year.
- GCORR: Preaching Against Racism
- The Church Must Rise Against Racism
- The Gospel and Race: A West Ohio Worship and Devotional Series
- Graphics for worship planning
- Preaching Grace for an Anti-Racist Church
Resources for Teaching Children
Children are aware of race and difference, and that is a good thing. Use these resources to help your kids have conversation about diversity and difference, or use these resources for your local church’s children’s ministries.
West Ohio Partners: Committed to Anti-Racism
The United Methodist Church is a connectional system with many partners in ministry. Here is a short list of some of our local partners in the commitment to creating an anti-racist community.