“Scripture calls us, as part of our Christian response, to walk in solidarity with people of color, because standing in silence sanctions continued injustice and violence.” – from the Minneapolis Area Synod Resolution Addressing Racial Injustice (RC2016-01)
The Minneapolis Area Synod is committed to working on racial justice in our synod and in our communities. We’ve learned that this work takes many forms and includes a diverse group of staff, clergy, and lay leaders across our synod.
The Minneapolis Area Synod’s Racial Justice Team includes (L to R):
Pastor Esther Sianipar, Pastor Ian Coen-Frei, Shari Siefert, Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy, Pastor Jen Collins (Synod Staff), and David Sherer. If you have questions or want to join up with the work others are doing, please reach out to someone on the team.
Ways To Get Plugged In
There are several ways to join up with those in the Synod doing this important work already. See more information below.
Faithful Steps
The Faithful Steps document contains resources for Racial Justice Liaisons. These resources contain the background as well as ideas for starting or restarting a Racial Justice team.
Leaders of Color Gatherings
If you identify as (or know someone who does) a person of color or culture, specifically a lay member of a congregation, please gather with us. We eat, connect and cultivate a space for one another. Please reach out to Pastor Jen Collins to get on the invite list. Pastor Babette Chatman and Felicia Boone, MAS Vice President, lead these gatherings.
Learning Cohorts
Dave Scherer and Joe Davis facilitate learning cohorts for individuals and organizations who want to develop a community of intercultural humility and anti-racist practice. Learn more >
Books
If you have other books to recommend, send it to one of the team members (above).
- Ashes to Action by Shari Siefert (Augsburg Fortress Press)
- Call to Allyship by several authors, including many MAS leaders (Augsburg Fortress Press)
- See Me, Believe Me by Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers (Augsburg Fortress Press)
- The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer (Simon & Schuster)
Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI)
David Scherer and Joe Davis are Qualified Administrators of the IDI and more. You can learn more at their website.
Share an Event
Does your congregation have a special speaker, community book read or an event that you’d like listed in the Minneapolis Area Synod “Weekly Updates”? Please fill out the Share an Event form.
ELCA Churchwide Resources
- Social statements and messages
- Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities:
- Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations
- African Descent (African American, Afro Caribbean, African National)
- Arab and Middle Eastern
- Asian and Pacific Islander
- European (White Lutherans for Racial Justice)
- Latino
- Cross Cultural Conversations
