July/August 2022
Christi Belcourt (Michif). The Wisdom of the Universe, 2014. Acrylic on canvas. Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto.
REJ Digest
Resources for Congregational Engagement in the Work of Racial Equity & Justice
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples August 9, 2022 There are an estimated 476 million indigenous peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world's population, but account for 15 per cent of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 di erent cultures. Indigenous peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural di erences, indigenous peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples. Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous peoples today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life. In order to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups, every 9 August commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, chosen in recognition of the rst meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982.
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(from United Nations website)
Books Worth Reading Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz’s excellent book, An Indigenous People’s History of the United States (Beacon Press, 2015) won the American Book Award and provides a sobering account of American history from the vantage point of those most impacted by western colonialism. First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament (Intervarsity Press, 2021) by Terry M. Wildman, interprets the Gospel through the eyes and experiences of native peoples.
The Emmanuel McCall Racial Justice & Leadership Initiative In 2020, CBF established the Racial Equity Fund named for long-time pastor and CBF leader, Dr. Emmanuel McCall. Read about the fund, its mission and its goals of supporting the work of the Fellowship and its state and regional bodies. Individuals and churches may also donate to the fund in an e ort to reach its 4 million dollar goal within ve years.
Resources for Racial Equity and Justice CBF of North Carolina maintains a resource library on on its website that includes a section on Racial Equity and Justice. Over the next few weeks, the REJ section will be expanded to include more tools for congregation seeking to address issues in their communities and within their congregations. If you know of resources that you would like to share, contact Mary Kaylor at mkaylor@cbfnc.org. In addition, check out these helpful publications: Embracing Equity: 7 Steps to Advance and Embed Race Equity and Inclusion in Your Organization (The Annie E. Casey Foundation). Racial Equity and Justice Tools: A Website of Resources The North Carolina Council of Churches Racial Justice Webpage North Carolina Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice - Report 2020
Share Your Stories with CBFNC’s REJ Team CBFNC’s Racial Equity and Justice team meets monthly and seeks to provide resources, programs and support for the work and ministry of our congregations and communities. If your congregation is engaged in the work of addressing racial equity and justice, share your stories with us. We learn from and are encouraged by e orts that inspire and inform our larger work. Tell us what you are doing, or hoping to do to make this a more just and equitable world for all God’s children. Send your stories to Bill Baxley, chair of the CBFNC REJ team.
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REJ Digest is a monthly publication of the RACIAL EQUITY & JUSTICE Team of CBF of North Carolina.