Actions of Faith Communities
Learn more about actions some churches are taking to address their own legacies of slavery. You can get involved in the implementation of these efforts in your congregation, regional or national church body.
Episcopal Church
• At its 2006 General Convention, the Episcopal Church passed a resolution apologizing for its complicity in slavery and urging dioceses and congregations to examine their historic ties to slavery and its aftermath and the economic benefits derived. The resolution also called on the Church to study how it could help “repair the breach.” Full text of the resolution here.
• An additional resolution urged support of federal legislation to create a national truth, repair and reconciliation process, such as H.R. 40 (see below). Full text here.
• Watch a powerful interview with the 25th Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold on slavery, race and reconciliation.
• Bishop Tom Shaw of the Diocese of Massachusetts testified before Congress on the legacy of slavery, December 2007 – Episcopal Life article.
• Episcopal Bishop of NY “Apology to Africa” Address, 2008.
Unitarian Universalist Association
• The UUA passed a similar resolution at their 2007 General Assembly.
• A study guide for Traces of the Trade, especially for UUA congregations, is available here.
• For a summary article on UUA actions, click here.
United Church of Christ
In the spring of 2008, the UCC began a process called Sacred Conversations on Race, to respond to the controversy surrounding the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the campaign of Sen. Barack Obama. What has the role of the black church been as a prophetic voice in America? How can churches take part in anti-racism work? To view their list of resources, including liturgy and worship materials, click here.
Additional anti-racism/racial reconciliation programs of different faith groups:
Canadian Council of Churches (links to member church sites)
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Continuing the Witness: Reconciliation Ministry
Christian Reformed Church
Race Relations Ministries
Churches Uniting in Christ (10 member denominations together)
Combating Racism
Episcopal Church
Office of Anti-Racism & Gender Equality
List of all Episcopal Church resolutions on racism
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Multicultural Ministries
Mennonite Central Committee & Mennonite Church
Anti Racism vision and goals
Damascus Road Antiracism training program
Bread for the Journey Blog of the Mennonite anti-racism program
Set Free Anti-racism program for people of color
Fire & Clay Spiritual retreat for white participants of past anti-racism training
Resources on racism connected to Hurricane Katrina
Presbyterian Church USA
Office for Racial Justice Advocacy
Presbyterian Women’s Antiracism Initiative
Unitarian Universalist Association
Antiracism materials and resources list
United Church of Christ
Anti-racism program
United Methodist Church
General Commission on Religion & Race
These are only some of the many resources available. We are working on building a comprehensive list – please share with us any materials or programs you have participated in or know of! Contact us at info@tracesofthetrade.org.
