It has taken me a painstakingly long time to write this, but it has laid too heavy on my heart not to share, so here goes. Last year, my team and I witnessed a white manager (WM) repeatedly discriminate against our former Black manager (BM): speaking ill of her; excluding her from key meetings; […]
As a church, our mission is to be a compassionate community that stands in solidarity with the weak and vulnerable. This is how Jesus lived, and so should we. In this context, we stand in solidarity with black people in the United States and Canada, who face anti-black racism and its dangerous, unjust, and cruel consequences every day. Now is a time to look at and assess our own actions, and critically examine the society around us. Only when we see and confront reality for what it is, can we then begin the work toward justice, healing and reconciliation. We hope that this collection of reflections and messages can help you to reflect on and critically think about anti-black racism and its effect on black people.
The Suffering of Korea
The summer interns have reflected on “The Suffering of Korea”. This reading provided background knowledge on the history of suffering that Koreans have endured, and also went into depth on how Christianity grew in South Korea after the Korean war.
Subversive Joy and Revolutionary Patience in Black Christianity
The summer interns have reflected on “Subversive Joy and Revolutionary Patience in Black Christianity,” a chapter from a book written by Cornel West. The chapter depicts the faithful perseverance of the Afro-American community, and their ability to find joy in life, despite their suffering.
Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963)
The summer interns reflect upon Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963)’, which was written by King, from prison, after he was arrested for leading a demonstration against racism and segregation in Birmingham, AL. The letter has become a central text in the American Civil Rights Movement.
A Hero’s Story
Mena Johnstone shared her experiences in her reflection, ‘A Hero’s Story’, in the hopes of contributing positive change to black lives and society.
My Anger, God’s Righteous Indignation
The summer interns reflect upon “My Anger, God’s Righteous Indignation”, which is a podcast by Willie Jennings in response to the death of George Floyd.
Let’s Please Speak Up!
Jenny Kim shared her experiences in her reflection, ‘Let’s Please Speak Up’, in the hopes of ending the silence around racism and standing with the black community.
Standing Together Vigil
Standing Together was a virtual vigil that was held by St. Timothy’s Presbyterian Church in solidarity with Black people who face disproportionate racism in the United States and Canada. The vigil took place on Saturday June 6th, 2020 and featured two guest speakers: Rev. Dr. Esther Acolatse and Rev. Paulette M. Brown.
My Story of Privilege
Bob Kim shared his experiences in his reflection, ‘My Story of Privilege’, in the hopes of helping with the conversation on racism and police brutality that is happening in the United States and all over the world.