We have six distinct programmatic groups working in various ways on different pieces of racial justice:
- Unite Table
- Mission Table
- Leaders of Color
- Racial Justice Liaisons
- AMMPARO
- Muslim Solidarity Task Force
Unite Table
History and Charter
The Unite Table grew out of an ad hoc working group formed in 2008 and became an official table within the synod structure by action of the synod assembly in 2012. That action enacted the charter by which the table’s activities are structured and guided.
The Unite Table shall facilitate a process for the Minneapolis Area Synod to identify & implement goals, strategies & tactics for:
- Increasing racial diversity,
- Addressing institutional racism within synod structures, and
- Measuring and evaluating progress (on goals) and effectiveness (of strategies and tactics).
The Unite Table accomplishes these goals through three main efforts:
- Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI)
- Racial Justice Congregational Liaisons
- Synod-wide equity review of structures and systems
The Unite Table is charged with reviewing the governance, policies, procedures and practices of the synod in order to advance the pursuit of racial justice and equity.
Mission Table
The Mission Table is about reaching new people in new places in new ways. Along with the synod’s Director of Evangelical Mission, the table supports the remarkable leaders of new and strategic ministries as they cultivate communities of faith with passion and vision.
The Mission Table supports diversity, inclusion and economic equity. As such, the table’s financial support of ministries is most often directed to congregations that are distinctly grounded in a non-dominant culture. The table steers the wider church towards its social statement on race, ethnicity and culture.
“[Mission Table] Recognizes that resources are limited and the needs of many of our ethnic-oriented congregations are many.” – Curtis Coates
Leaders of Color
The Leaders of Color group was formed in 2018 when Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA was in Minneapolis for our synod assembly. With a bit of the free time she was here, it was decided that a group of our leaders of color would have a chance to meet with her. The group decided to continue meeting and it has become a place of fellowship and community.
The group is comprised entirely of leaders in our synod who identify as People of Color. The group describes itself as:
- A safe, brave, and healing space for Leaders of Color in the Minneapolis Area Synod
- A place to share stories and experiences
- A group that supports upcoming leaders of color
- A space for finding solutions and sharing opportunities
If you are a Leader of Color in our synod, please reach out and identify yourself to Eric Howard to be added to the email list.
Congregational Racial Justice Liaisons (and Teams)
The 2016 Synod Resolution Addressing Racial Injustice calls for congregations to choose a leader as their Congregational Racial Justice Liaison (liaisons sign up here). The resolution also called for the synod to support the work of congregational racial justice liaisons and teams. From September to May, the synod’s Unite Table hosts bi-monthly liaison gatherings as one source of support.
The liaison gatherings provide time for listening to guest and peer speakers, networking, education, and resource sharing about a range of issues and approaches in congregational racial justice work. Liaison gatherings are open to all people committed to racial justice. You can find upcoming dates on the synod calendar or the Unite Table Facebook page.
Racial Justice Liaison Survey – Summer 2021
Is the form isn’t loading properly, you can view it here.
AMMPARO – Addressing Immigration
The Spanish word amparo refers to the protection of a living creature from suffering or damage. In 2016, the ELCA approved what it calls its AMMPARO strategy (Accompany Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation, and Opportunities). Learn more about this churchwide initiative at www.elca.org/ammparo, and by reading a summary of the initiative.
AMMPARO’s main goal is the awakening, engaging, and equipping of Lutherans in their baptismal calling to be in solidarity with oppressed immigrants. Each congregation or individual is called by God to use their own unique gifts in this effort, so each journey will look different.
The Joint Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area Synod AMMPARO Leadership Team works especially in the following areas:
- Education – provide educational opportunities and resources for congregations, committees, and individuals
- Advocacy – Increase Lutheran support of immigrant-led campaigns
- Partnership – promote partnership between immigrant and anglo congregations and connections with other groups supporting immigrants
- Guardian Angels – provide court observation of juveniles in immigration proceedings
Muslim Solidarity Task Force
Supporting Minneapolis Area Lutherans in our 2017 resolution to learn, build relationships and take action for peace, with and on behalf of our Muslim neighbors. Click here to view the resolution.
The resolution established a Muslim Solidarity Task Force that has hosted trainings for synod congregations to engage with their Muslim neighbors.
We invite you to join in our efforts to learn, engage, and grow in relationships – like our Facebook page to see updates and events.