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.
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!
MRJR Movie Night
Friday, June 21, 7:00pm, Chapel Auditorium
Join us in viewing the film Promised Land to learn more about the native history of our area and discuss how we as Christians can respond and seek reconciliation.
White Awake Book Group (West Seattle)
Wednesdays, 7:00pm, At the home of Jeremy & Danielle Bronson
Contact Pastor Prentice Park for more information.
White Awake Book Group (North)
Sundays, 9:15am, Library Conference Room, Shorewood High School
Contact Pastor Scott Sund for more information.
White Awake Book Group (Green Lake)
Sundays, 7:30pm, Classroom A
In White Awake, pastor Daniel Hill humbly shares his own journey of growing to understand his white identity. White Awake thoughtfully guides you through seven stages to expect on your own path to cultural awakening, equipping and empowering you to be an agent of reconciliation. Contact Ken Kuhn for more information.
Register
White Awake Book Group (Ballard)
Locations depend on group
All of Ballard's gatherings will be going through White Awake for the next 6-8 weeks, depending on the group. Join a gathering: churchbcc.org/gatherings
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
See our Facebook page for related news, engagement opportunities, and events.