Get Involved
If you're concerned about racial injustice, want to learn about its root causes and grow as an agent of justice and reconciliation, there are ways to get involved!
Race and Place Book Discussion
Sundays, starting February 16, 5pm, Greenwood, Kids welcome, Dinner provided prior to book discussion, Register
In Race and Place, SPU professor David Leong shows how geographic systems and structures sustain injustice and racial division in our very own city. This book equips readers to re-present Christ in our city and become agents of justice, reconciliation and belonging in the place we call home.
This five week study will meet at Chris and Amanda Roenicke's home (719 N 92 St.) and is specifically planned so that families with young children can join in the conversation. However, anyone and any age children are welcome to join. Books and dinner will be provided the first night.
An Evening With David Leong
March 23rd, 7-9pm in the Green Lake Sanctuary
Bethany's Ministry of Racial Justice and Reconciliation is honored to present An Evening with Professor David Leong.
Throughout the U.S., racial and socioeconomic segregation is built into our cities and neighborhoods. Seattle is no exception and more often than not, we are residentially and socially isolated from diverse “others.” How can the people of God, who follow the One who has “destroyed the dividing wall of hostility,” realize this possibility and resist the structures that keep us apart? Exploring intersections of race and place will help us to reflect on patterns of exclusion and practices of belonging in our communities.
Childcare available up to 35 months.
SERMON LINKS
White Awake: An Evening with Daniel Hill
January 28, 2019
sermon link
Repairing Reconciliation with Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter-McNeil
October 2, 2017
sermon link
Race & Justice with Romanita Hairston-Overstreet
March 9, 2017
sermon link
DUWAMISH TRIBE & BETHANY COMMUNITY CHURCH
We would like to acknowledge that our current church site sits on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present, and honor with gratitude the land and the Duwamish Tribe.
In 2016, at Bethany's 100 year anniversary, we as a church examined our beginnings and realized our historical connection with the Duwamish Tribe. We later began to engage in a more intentional conversation around race and justice and were challenged to do more. Pastor Phil and several lay leaders made it a priority to seek reconciliation and relationship with the Duwamish People. Bethany Community Church is excited to partner with the Duwamish today.
To learn more about Bethany Community Church's partnership with the Duwamish Tribe, visit here.
See our Facebook page for related news, engagement opportunities, and events.
MINISTRY OF RACIAL JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION (MRJR) GUIDING STATEMENT
At Bethany Community Church, we believe all humans are image bearers of God (Gen 1:27) and diversity is God’s very-good design (Rev 7:9). Therefore, we strive to stop racism and see God’s image in all people, including all variety of bodies, skin color, ethnicity, national origin, language, faith, and citizenship status. Jesus Christ is ultimately the One who breaks down dividing walls to dismantle racism. At the same time, Jesus calls and equips his followers to be his co-agents of reconciliation and justice. (Ephesians 2:14, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
Toward this end, Bethany Community Church has made racial justice and reconciliation a strategic priority and established the Ministry of Racial Justice and Reconciliation (MRJR) in order to build a long-term community of reconciliation that restores broken relationships and systems.
Goals
The Ministry of Racial Justice and Reconciliation is committed to three over-arching goals:
1. Building a cohesive Bethany-wide MRJR movement.
2. Actively dismantling racism and pursuing justice.
3. Ensuring God’s multi-ethnic kingdom is increasingly reflected in Bethany’s staff and congregation and leadership.