Serving God's World by Celebrating Diversity

By Michelle DeRusha, R.A.R.E. team
Celebrating Diversity in the Body of Christ

Two years ago an invitation from Bishop Maas to join a new committee aimed at addressing racism awareness in the Nebraska Synod landed in my in-box. My first impulse was to hit the delete key. My second was to conjure an excuse as to why I could not possibly participate. Discussing racism with the Bishop and a bunch of church people, all of whom were strangers to me, sounded like a decidedly awkward endeavor.
I said yes (mostly because I was afraid to say no to the Bishop). My husband (who had received the same email invitation) and I attended the initial meeting, and a few months later, R.A.R.E. – Racial Awareness, Reconciliation, and Engagement – was launched.
R.A.R.E.‘s mission is to energize the church to combat the sin of racism. We believe that by increasing awareness about the history and nature of racism, creating opportunities for reconciliation, and promoting engagement among diverse people, we can better live out the command to love God and love our neighbors. Through grace we commit to the task of shedding our prejudices and participating in the rich blessing of human difference.
Our small committee has made considerable progress in a short time. We compiled an annotated Racism Awareness Resources list of recommended books, articles, podcasts and films that encourage dialogue about racism. We created a discussion guide to accompany the film A Time for Burning. And most recently we developed and presented the “Everyone Has a Story” workshop at the 2019 Synod Assembly and at subsequent church events and ELCA gatherings around the state.
Admittedly, the work ahead still feels daunting at times. As racial tensions persist and our country grows increasingly polarized, it’s tempting to conclude that R.A.R.E.’s efforts here in Nebraska – and within a denomination that is 96% white – amount to a drop in the proverbial bucket. Yet we remain deeply committed to this work, not only because we know it’s important for the ELCA and for our Synod, but also because we ourselves have been blessed first-hand by the abundant gifts of a diverse community.
Our committee is composed of just seven regularly participating members. Five are white; two are black. Some of us are pastors, some laypeople. Some of us are members of large urban congregations, others belong to smaller churches in rural communities. Two years ago we convened as strangers with seemingly little in common. Over time we’ve listened to one another and talked with increasing vulnerability and candor, even when it’s been awkward or difficult. We’ve shared meals together and learned from one another. In short, we have grown in community together, discovering along the way that we are much more alike than we are different.
This is the beauty and the richness of the Body of Christ in all its diverse glory, and this is the gift R.A.R.E. endeavors to encourage among our fellow brothers and sisters across Nebraska.
If your church would like to connect with R.A.R.E. or is interested in inviting us to present our “Everyone Has a Story” workshop at your congregation, please contact R.A.R.E. chairs Miriam Blair at miriam.blair@rocketmail.com or Brad Johnson at bradjohnson@doane.edu.   

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