The ELCIC feels called and challenged to change our perspectives and become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive church.
In 2019, the ELCIC National Convention directed the National Church Council (NCC) to create and support the work of three separate National task forces to address:
- Racism, White Supremacy, and issues of Racial Injustice: examining the underlying racism within the ELCIC that has been observed to be negatively affecting People of Colour (POC), both within and outside of our church, and to come up with and implement an action plan on how to address and deal with said issues in congruence with the ELCIC’s Theology of Mission.
- Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia: examining the experiences of those within the ELCIC for whom sexual orientation that is other than straight, non-cisgender and nonbinary and the struggle for equity and justice.
- Ableism: examining concerns regarding barriers to access in the ELCIC, its synods, congregations, seminaries, schools, and other institutions and communities; the ways in which people with disabilities face discrimination in the ELCIC settings and structures; and to propose recommendations to NCC about how to remove barriers, change discriminatory structures, and create accessible, inclusive communities.
The work of these task forces is ongoing. They reported to 2022 ELCIC Convention (see appendices 3, 4 and 5) and the content of their reports will be addressed at the 2023 ELCIC Special Convention. The task forces have written this prayer to encourage this work.
This space provides tools and resources for congregations and faith communities to engage in processes of learning and transformation. We are actively searching for effective resources. Your feedback and ideas are welcome as we journey together toward diversity, equity, and inclusion.
There are four main categories for resources:
1. Racism White Supremacy and Racial Justice Issues
