Anti-Racism
Racism is a sin, and as a United Methodist Church, Wellspring is committed to challenging the unjust power structures that support it and working for equality in all areas of life.
Northern Illinois Conference Cabinet Statement
“In June 2019, the NIC adopted three strategic goals to help us deepen our commitment to becoming God’s Beloved Community. We want to reflect on the second goal: TO LIVE OUT THE CONVICTION THAT RACISM IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH CHRISTIAN TEACHING. This goal is not part of a political or social agenda; rather, it is part of the Gospel Agenda and an affirmation of the divine image of God in each person” …READ MORE
Church and Society
What does it mean to love God? What does it look like when we love our neighbor? Scripture tells us God created humankind in God’s image. What does that mean for how we treat each other? We must take these questions seriously as followers of Christ. We believe that in loving both God and neighbor, we must pursue God’s command of justice, liberation and flourishing for all people. We must work for the civil and human rights of every person. LEARN MORE
Becoming Anti-Racist
Our United Methodist general agencies have resources that can support and assist us in learning about issues of race, in working for justice, and in offering paths towards unity amid diversity. Available resources include those that highlight facts and statistics and help offer a picture of the disparities between races, book studies, online courses, and video series that help highlight individual growth areas and blind spots as well as shine a light on larger societal systemic issues. LEARN MORE
The United Methodist Response
As United Methodists, we believe that God has given us principles for how to live in a community. Central to Jesus’ teachings, life, death, and resurrection is the Great Commandment: we must love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. (Matthew 22:35-40; Mark 12:28-34) We will work for equal and equitable opportunities in employment and promotion, education and training; in voting, access to public accommodations, and housing; to credit, loans, venture capital, and insurance; to positions of leadership and power in all elements of our life together; and to full participation in the Church and society. LEARN MORE
“We commit ourselves to the rights of men, women, children, youth, young adults, the aging, and people with disability; to improvement of the quality of life; and to the rights and dignity of all persons.”
Race and Reconciliation
What is racial reconciliation, and why would people have a problem with it?
Racism is Deeper Than We Think
There are various levels of racism as well as other injustices. Each need to be acknowledged and addressed.