Gathering in Humility to Listen, Learn, and Serve: A Racial Reconciliation Seminar

Racial Reconciliation Group's artwork by an 11-year-old native born Virginian. Inspired and adapted from the symbol of the cross and the Adinkra reconciliation symbol from one of her ancestral lands - Ghana, West Africa. 

Host: A Racial Reconciliation Group

Facilitators: Will Rowe and Jeanne Ayivorh

Location:  Zoom Meeting Link to be Sent to All Who Register Below
Date:  Saturday, January 30, 2021
Time:  9:15 AM ET to 12 PM ET

Background. In the late Spring of 2019, a Northern Virginia church, Truro Anglican, began to actively work with two other Northern Virginia churches, Antioch Baptist Church and New Hope Church, on the topic of racial reconciliation to help heal the wounds of racial division, especially between black and white Christians. Following this, a small group of Truro participants met, studied, prayed, and sent out an invitation for a racial reconciliation group study in 2020.  The discussion group’s code of conduct encouraged humility, respect, and to give grace to each person. The journey educated us, humbled us, and encouraged us to dive deeper into making a difference. During 2020, additional participants were invited to this journey, a second group was formed, and over 60 participants from over a dozen churches are sharing the experience of listening, learning, and seeking to serve.

Purpose. As an outgrowth of our experience, we desire to share the biblical call to reconciliation, underscore the time is now, offer models for doing this work, and provide opportunities to serve.

Agenda. A time of teaching, sharing, and learning together featuring speakers from multiple churches engaged in racial reconciliation.

• Seminar Background and Story
• Welcome, Overview and Opening Prayer
• Biblical Foundation for Racial Reconciliation -- Panel Members: Mike Seawright (Truro Anglican), Melvin Jones (Antioch Baptist), Jonathan Walton (InterVarsity Christian Fellowship)

• Imperative for Racial Reconciliation -- Panel Members: Bill Haley (Coracle), Kathleen Otchy (Fairfax Community), Maynard Henry (Fairfax Community)

•  Models and Examples of Racial Reconciliation -- Panel Members: Eric Newton (Grace Community), Erin Clifford (Holy Trinity), Steve Coy (Grace Community)

• How to Get Involved in Racial Reconciliation Groups and Healing Projects -- Series of Speakers from Different Churches and Community Members

Registration. Click here to register and to receive a formal Zoom invite, a detailed agenda, and seminar updates. There is no cost. We are partnered with Coracle (inthecoracle.org) who is assisting with registration. If you do not have a Coracle account, simply “X” out of the pop-up box to complete the registration.

Additional Information.  For questions, contact Inece Bryant, iyb_me@verizon.net; Jeanne Ayivorh, jayivorh@gmail.com

“When injustices around the world are screaming your life has no value, the church cannot remain silent. Apathy makes excuses. Love finds a way.” Nicky Gumbel’s post on Instagram