The FBI reports that in 2015 more than 2100 hate crimes were committed against blacks, more than 730 against whites, and more than 370 against Hispanics. In the same year they report more than 690 hate crimes against Jews, more than 300 against Muslims and more than 160 against Christians. The stats for 2016, once compiled, will likely be similar.
So in 2017, our region is offering several opportunities to learn more, and to consider our response as faithful Christians.
At the just-completed Spiritual Retreat, Dr. Belva Jordan, from Claremont School of Theology in California, spoke on the theme “One Body—One Spirit.”
Still to come are three sessions of Anti-Racism Training, [May 4, July 22, and October 19] required of all KS clergy for standing this year. Rev. Nancy Eggen, Kansas-Oklahoma UCC staff for Racial Justice, will help us learn how to talk about racism, and explore racism itself, as opposed to acts of racial bigotry.
Disciples Men Fall Retreat, Sept. 29-30, will also explore these concepts of racial and religious inequality and our call as Christians to speak out against racism.