Dear Selwyn friends,

 

Three months ago, our Session made the difficult decision to shift worship from our sanctuary to the chapel in response to the rising risks of the COVID-19 virus. Each Sunday in worship our stained-glass window reflects the heart of our church. The roots and wings of God’s faithfulness in Christ, remind us of our calling. We are an intergenerational community committed to knowing and loving one another and our neighbors authentically and faithfully.

 

In light of our identity in Christ, our congregation has long been intentional in the work of justice and reconciliation, yet these days have called us to re-orient and re-consider an active pursuit of God’s Reign here on Earth.

 

Therefore, Selwyn Avenue will follow Christ into the deep work of racial equity and reconciliation with courage, humility and an honest commitment. We are called to do this work together as we cultivate community and practice discipleship. Although matters of racial injustice have been politicized over the course of American history, for Christians justice, equity and peace are matters of faith. The mission of Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church remains. We continue to exhibit God’s Reign to the world by doing justice, loving kindness, walking humbly with God and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

 

The practice of becoming anti-racist can be difficult, but Christ’s way has always been the way of love, honesty, and grace. Therefore, so is ours. Most importantly, we must discern, study, act, and move together with intention.  

 

Please access resources and ongoing opportunities to engage the work of racial justice on this webpage. Join us for a summer of reading and small group discussions. Discussion leaders have chosen six different books of varying genres and topics. As a congregation we join faith communities across Charlotte and beyond as we stand firm in our commitment to this transformative work that must begin within ourselves.

 

Please reach out along the way with questions, hopes and concerns. We travel together.

 

With Hope, 

 

+Lori 

Sponsored by Union Presbyterian Seminary's Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation and Katie Geneva Cannon Center for Womanist Leadership.

In response to the arrest and homicide of George Floyd while in Minnesota police custody, there is a new sense of resolve in cities around our nation and world to address racial disparity and systemic racialized oppression. But what should the white church do?

Confronting deeply ingrained racist systems and structures in our communities and country takes sensitivity and stamina. Before congregations and worshiping communities can confront the harsh realities of racism, it is helpful to have a good foundation.

One good place to start is by taking the 21-Day Racial Justice Challenge, which is well suited to individuals, churches and mid councils. The challenge invites us to do something every day to raise awareness about the perniciousness of racism and encourage action in response to that awareness. The PC(USA) has joined several nonprofits, organizations and school systems in adapting the challenge for our use.