Beloved Community Class Recordings

Dr. King popularized the notion of the “Beloved Community,” envisioning a society based on justice, equal opportunity and love for one’s fellow human beings. As followers of Christ, we have the joy and honor to carry that responsibility.

In this two part class series, hear from a variety of voices about what it means to express agape love – the love of God operating in the human heart – as we seek to preserve and create an inclusive community.

Learn more about Beloved Community

Sermons on Racial Justice

• A Dream Still Deferred
  May 31, 2020 - Rev. Adam Hamilton

• Jesus, Protests and Repentance
  June 7, 2020 - Rev. Adam Hamilton

• Time to Step Up
  June 14, 2020 - Rev. Emanuel Cleaver III

• Love is the Way
  October 18, 2020 - Bishop Michael Curry
  

• Can I Get a Witness?
  May 31, 2021 - Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell

Allies for Racial Justice

Allies for Racial Justice is a joint ministry started in 2016 between St. James UMC and Church of the Resurrection. Their mission is forging authentic relationships to eliminate the existing racial divide in our communities and churches in Kansas City and beyond.

Visit Allies for Racial Justice

The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song

This moving four-hour, two-part series from executive producer, host and writer Henry Louis Gates, Jr., traces the 400-year-old story of the Black church in America. The documentary reveals the spiritual journeys of Black people, how they brought faith traditions from Africa to the New World, translating them into a form of Christianity uniquely their own – and a redemptive force for our nation’s original sin.

Watch the series on PBS.ORG

Talking About Race

Talking about race, although hard, is necessary. The National Museum of African American History & Culture's "Talking About Race" website provide tools and guidance to empower your journey and inspire conversation.

Visit the Talking About Race website

United Methodist Resources

• United Methodists Stand Against Racism: The United Methodist church is challenging unjust systems of power and access, and working for equitable and equal opportunities for all.
• General Commission on Religion and Race: GCORR is building the UMC's capacity to be contextually relevant and to reach people as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
• Social Principles (Revised 2020): The Social Principles speak to issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation that is in keeping with the best of our United Methodist traditions.
• Church and Society: Church and Society equips United Methodists across the globe to faithfully advocate for a more peaceful and more just world.

Learn More

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?" How to Respond to Racist Comments

Most of us have had that moment where someone says something racist/offensive and our brain freezes and stops us from responding. Having a couple of phrases in your back pocket can help prepare you for next time. Read through this list and pick out a couple that roll off your tongue easily.

• "That's not funny to me. It sounds racist."
• "Excuse me did you mean to say something that may be interpreted as offensive?"
• "Dude, pick another word."
• "What you just said does not reflect for me the good person I know you are."
• "I have no idea if you realize the impact of those words."
• "Can we talk in private? I was concerned with your statement earlier, it comes across as insensitive to ______."
• More options

From the Oregon Center for Educational Equity.