May 24, 2019
Dear Village Family,
I am so very grateful for worship last Sunday, when Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka helped us see how our good intention in claiming “I don’t see race, I just see people,” has an unintended consequence. If you weren’t in worship, check out his sermon by CLICKING HERE. But you will want to get a box of tissues first!
The conversation continues this Sunday. This is a hard conversation for us because no one wants to be called a racist. We have witnessed ugly racist behaviors through the generations and the truth is we want nothing to do with that. Not only this, many of you have dedicated yourselves in genuine ways to engage those in need in our community regardless of race. The belittling speech and the unfair advantages… that’s not us. And still…
Racism is a problem. We see it all the time. So, this Sunday I want to talk about this: racism is more than bias or prejudice. Racism occurs when bias is aligned with power. The truth is America is not experienced in the same way by all her citizens. People of color often face challenges that white folks simply do not. Racism is not an incident or an event: it’s a structure.
I hope you will join us Sunday for this conversation.
Shalom,
Tom
Dear Village Family,
I am so very grateful for worship last Sunday, when Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka helped us see how our good intention in claiming “I don’t see race, I just see people,” has an unintended consequence. If you weren’t in worship, check out his sermon by CLICKING HERE. But you will want to get a box of tissues first!
The conversation continues this Sunday. This is a hard conversation for us because no one wants to be called a racist. We have witnessed ugly racist behaviors through the generations and the truth is we want nothing to do with that. Not only this, many of you have dedicated yourselves in genuine ways to engage those in need in our community regardless of race. The belittling speech and the unfair advantages… that’s not us. And still…
Racism is a problem. We see it all the time. So, this Sunday I want to talk about this: racism is more than bias or prejudice. Racism occurs when bias is aligned with power. The truth is America is not experienced in the same way by all her citizens. People of color often face challenges that white folks simply do not. Racism is not an incident or an event: it’s a structure.
I hope you will join us Sunday for this conversation.
Shalom,
Tom