Reconciliation Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Dear Washington Avenue:
Twenty years have passed since the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) proclaimed our anti-racist and pro-reconciliation identity. We keep working toward this identity to see if it fits. Over and over again, we find that it does.

Throughout September, we will receive our annual Reconciliation Ministry special offering. This year’s theme The Rocks Are Crying Out: Show Up; Speak Up; Stand Up is fitting for our response to the sustained unrest that has propelled the many to engage in social activism in small towns and major cities. These noisy rocks (Luke 19:36-40) remind us that, like those first century disciples following Jesus into Jerusalem, we must lift every voice to acknowledge the divine message and the divine messenger that is Christ with us. We are the ones to break the silence of oppression and suppression of human dignity based on the color of a person’s skin or their nation of origin. The harmful impact of systemic racism has been laid bare in the health disparities of those impacted by the novel coronavirus, compelling us to ‘speak up’ in naming the conditions that unjustly impact poor, black, and brown communities. The extra-judicial treatment of black and brown bodies has compelled many to ‘show up’ in peaceful protests to affirm equitable treatment by law enforcement and to affirm human dignity for ALL. The gospel also compels us to ‘stand up’ to witness to Christ’s profound love on behalf of those who are without hope because of historic economic oppression and wealth disparities in our communities.

Your generosity to Reconciliation Ministry strengthens the work and witness of congregations to be the vicarious presence of Christ where we serve. Your giving promotes programs that provide anti-racism and pro-reconciliation education and resources such as our Choose Your Own Adventure (https://reconciliationministry.org/resources/) online bible study created by Disciples Peace Interns. In addition, your stewardship of this ministry promotes inclusive worship and relationship-building through programs such as the One Bag of Tea (https://reconciliationministry.org/getinvolved/tea/) conversation-starter program. Furthermore, your generosity funds grants that fuel advocacy like the Beloved Community mapping project of Greater Kansas City that connects congregations to community needs.

Your support of this special offering strengthens our voice to shout “Hosanna, Hosanna, blessed are WE, the ones who come in the name of Lord!” Thank you for giving generously!

Rev. April Johnson
Minister of Reconciliation