GCORR 2023 Quadrennial Report

QUADRENNIAL REPORT 2016 ‒ 2023

Introduction

Table Of Contents Introduction Letter from the General Secretary and Board President Mission, Vision, and Values Historic Timeline Ministry Highlights Coming Soon Central Conference Partnerships Celebrations Financial Reality Conclusion

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No one person is equipped to dismantle racism, tribalism or xenophobia.

Fortunately, the gospel of Matthew reminds each of us that “with God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) Since the start of our denomination in 1968, the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) has been equipping conferences, jurisdictions, churches, pastors and laity with teaching resources, training courses, targeted programs and specific tools to right systemic harms and chart a new path forward.

Normally this quadrennial report would have been produced in 2020— documenting GCORR’s work over the previous four years leading up to the General Conference. That’s why we’re calling this document the Quad+ as it highlights how our agency has resourced the Church over the past six+ years.

As you read this report, celebrate the progress, anticipate the way forward, but also recognize the critical work needed right here, right now. This is where GCORR does its best God-inspired, Holy Spirit-driven work. Our practical resources are so easily accessible, ready to be used immediately by anyone seeking to embrace cultural diversity and dismantle systemic racism.

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LETTER FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY AND BOARD PRESIDENT

LETTER FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY AND BOARD PRESIDENT

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Letter from the General Secretary Dear Partners in Ministry:

and Board President

So much has changed inside our

When you are at a crossroad in life, it can be very confusing, challenging, even an emotional

denomination and across the world since

time. At the crossroad, we are pushed to expand our vision, comfort and understanding of who

2016: A racial reckoning; the need to navigate

we are in the midst of the community.

new ways of living, learning, working, even worshipping, during the pandemic; more

GCORR is here to meet you at your crossroad. We’ve been hard at work creating the targeted,

geopolitical atrocities; increased economic

specific, Biblically-informed resources to help you do the important work of dismantling racial

uncertainty; and environmental disasters.

discrimination in all its forms.

During this time of great sadness, stress, and

Love. Grace. Equity. Justice. Respect. Mutual Accountability. These core values guide everything

upheaval, one thing has remained constant:

that GCORR does in championing a new unity to arise from the ashes of our divisions. We trust

GCORR’s commitment to serving as the

that God is directing us to work and thrive together.

United Methodist Church’s steady partner, offering the specific programs, services, and

BISHOP CYNTHIA MOORE-KOIKOI

REV. DR. GIOVANNI ARROYO

support that our conferences, jurisdictions,

Let’s chart a new path forward. Together we’ll reach the Beloved Community that God has created for each and every one of us.

local churches, and individual members needed to champion diversity, equity and inclusion; develop interculturally competent leaders; and catalyze authentic community.

Dismantling systemic oppression in all its forms is no easy task. It requires work from all of us— collectively as well as individually. While we celebrate the good work that our denomination has accomplished, we must acknowledge the current crossroad at which we stand.

Beloveds: God is pushing us to look beyond ourselves and recognize the ministry and mission that is within our reach. We are at a point at which vital conversations must be had so that vital

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi

Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo

Board President

General Secretary

decisions can be made.

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Vision, Mission,& Values GCORR

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VISION, MISSION AND VALUES

VISION, MISSION AND VALUES

GCORR will not rest in its work of challenging

While racism remains our primary focus, our

and equipping the church to complete its

perspective and partnerships reflect a broader

unfinished agenda of dismantling racial

context, which includes poverty, nationalism,

discrimination. We continue to do this by

tribal conflicts, gender discrimination,

championing diversity, equity and inclusion;

homophobia, disability and generational bias—

developing interculturally competent leaders;

because we know all forms of oppression are

and catalyzing authentic community.

connected, and they cannot be dismantled in

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isolation.

WORK

VISION

MISSION

Championing diversity, equity and inclusion.

GCORR works to realize the possibility of a world where every member of the human family can live, love, and express themselves in freedom and in peace.

To challenge and equip leaders in the United Methodist Church and beyond in the work of dismantling racial discrimination in all its forms.

Developing interculturally competent leaders.

Catalyzing authentic community.

Building the capacity of the UMC to remain relevant in an ever-changing world and reach greater numbers of people (especially younger and more diverse people) is why GCORR created a threepronged and interconnected Ministry Model to guide our work.

PROMISE

CORE VALUES

We catalyze transformation in thought and practice towards greater equity and freedom in the Church and in the world.

Love Grace Equity Justice Mutual Accountability

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We evaluate programs, mission, staffing, budgetary priorities and leadership pipelines to ensure that the Church reaches, serves and brings younger and more diverse people into full participation.

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We support and lead vital conversations about race, cultural diversity and institutional equity to help grow a movement honoring all of God’s creation.

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We create trainings, resources and networking opportunities for United Methodists to build intercultural competencies and deepen their connection and commitment to one another.

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HISTORICAL TIMELINE

HISTORICAL TIMELINE

5 DECADES

OF ADVOCATING FOR EQUITY &

Inclusion GCORR WAS CREATED TO ADDRESS INSTITUTIONAL

1968-1978

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General Conference delegates voted to support a national convocation on racism, jointly sponsored by the Council of Bishops and GCORR. GCORR opposed a General Conference resolution to make English the official language of the United States and celebrated the agency’s 20th anniversary by affirming the significant accomplishments made in addressing racism in The UMC and accepted the challenge to continue to work on “Racism, The Church’s Unfinished Agenda.”

RACISM, ENGAGE IN

The UMC formed the Commission on Religion and Race.

NEW CONVERSATIONS

The Commission devoted a major portion of its

1988-1998

ABOUT WHAT A TRULY

resources to dealing with white racism in the

GCORR’s Terminology Task Force produced “The Language

Church. Encounter sessions were held across

of Hospitality,” a study resource to help church leaders and

the nation to sensitize and equip individuals

members use language as a tool for building the multiracial and

and groups to be change agents in the

multicultural family of God.

DESEGREGATED AND GLOBAL CHURCH COULD LOOK LIKE, AND CHART A

Church and in the larger community.

COURSE FOR LIVING OUT

The General Conference established

THE GOSPEL IN A MORE

the Minority Group Self-Determination

AUTHENTIC AND INCLUSIVE WAY.

GCORR collaborated with the General Boards of Church and Society and Global Ministries, and the United Methodist Rural Fellowship in establishing a Racism in Rural Areas Task Force to study the manifestations of racism, personal and institutional,

Fund for the empowerment of racial

prevalent in rural areas. GCORR conducted 23 on-site annual

justice work within and outside of the

conference reviews and requested comprehensive plans on

church.

THE COMMISSION

The General Conference established GCORR as a

CONTINUES TO ANSWER

permanent standing agency and provided for its

GOD’S CALL TO SERVE IN THESE AREAS AS WELL AS

representation among annual conferences.

inclusiveness from all annual conferences.

1998-2008

THAT IS FAR DIFFERENT

1978-1988

THAN WHEN THE AGENCY

The General Conference approved “Developing and

and development of new resources for

WAS FIRST CREATED.

Strengthening of the Ethnic Minority Local Church for

understanding and addressing racism, such

Witness and Mission” as the single missional priority for

as: “The Antiracism Study/Action Guide”

HERE ARE KEY HIGHLIGHTS

the denomination. Annual conferences were required

series, published in cooperation with the

to develop and approve comprehensive plans for

General Board of Church and Society; “In

implementation.

the Struggle Towards Racial Justice and

RESPONDING TO A WORLD

OF GCORR’S WORK OVER THE PAST FIVE DECADES:

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GCORR continued to emphasize onsite reviews of annual conferences

Inclusiveness: Thoughts for your Reflection

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HISTORICAL TIMELINE

HISTORICAL TIMELINE

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and Action”; and the video “Diversity is . . .”

GCORR provided local churches with positive responses to counteract racial profiling and race-based fear in their communities in the aftermath of September 11, 2001.

GCORR worked in unity with Native Americans who face blatant disregard for their dignity and sacred traditions when sports teams distort their identity and likeness through the use of mascots that extend the myth of Native American aggression.

2008-2018

2018-PRESENT

GCORR endorsed the “Drop the I-Word”

GCORR awarded over $2,300,000 to 61 programs

GCORR creates “Church to Community”

(intercultural competency, institutional equity

public education campaign to eliminate the

around the global church to create culturally

campaign showcasing the innovative ways that

and vital conversations) could support local

use of “illegal” as part of conversations on

diverse, relevant and vital congregations and to

local UMC churches successfully reached more

efforts to build bridges across tribal lines.

immigration.

develop interculturally competent leadership and

diverse and younger people—to encourage

ministries.

expansion of similar models and work

GCORR trained 2,500 lay and clergy leaders;

Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo becomes the first Latino appointed as GCORR General Secretary.

throughout the UMC connection.

led over 15,000 of hours coaching and

GCORR’s board and executive staff embarked on

consulting with church leaders across the

a learning trip to Manilla, Philippines and crossed

GCORR board members participated in an

globe; provided assistance in over 50 annual

the US-Mexico border to forge partnerships and

immersion experience with local faith and civic

conferences in the United States and 15 annual

discuss the bridge-building work of intercultural

leaders in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood

conferences outside of the United States; and

competency in the context of the global United

to better understand the unique challenges

conducted over 600 individual, group and

Methodist Church.

and opportunities of urban ministry—and learn

GCORR conducts consultations in Africa and the Philippines to further the work of equity and vital conversations in these regions.

GCORR board participates in the 27th Annual

organizational assessments of intercultural

how to more effectively resource urban UMC

competency and institutional equity.

congregations in their community engagement

Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice to celebrate civil rights leader Cesar Chavez’s efforts for social change and increase awareness of the

efforts, expanding resources for wider audience

safety and security of migrant farm workers.

and in multiple languages, partnership with

GCORR collaborates with the National Plan

DMC and renewed and ongoing partnership

for Hispanic/Latino Ministry of the United

with ethic caucuses and UMC ministry Plans.

Methodist Church and Inter-Ethnic Strategy

GCORR executive staff and the board of

Development Group to call for further support

directors traveled to Zimbabwe, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to

from government leaders for migrants in DC and nationally.

meet with episcopal and local leadership in each country to better understand tribalism throughout these regions and discuss how GCORR’s three-pronged Ministry Model

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MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS

MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS

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GCORR Ministry

Highlights

FROM THE MOST INDIVIDUAL LEVEL OF UNPACKING OUR OWN IMPLICIT BIASES TO THE WORK THAT EACH CONFERENCE CAN DO TO ENSURE MORE EQUITABLE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ACROSS THE GLOBAL DENOMINATION, GCORR MEETS YOU AT THE CROSSROADS OF THIS IMPORTANT WORK AND WALKS WITH YOU. HERE ARE SOME OF THE KEY WAYS THAT GOD LED GCORR IN SERVING AND EQUIPPING OUR DENOMINATION SINCE 2017.

WO R K B O O KS Learning from Strangers: Best Practices for Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural (CRCC) Ministry

Implicit Bias: What We Don’t Think We Think

FA C I N G T H E F UTU R E CO N F E R E N C E

U

nique challenges, as well as

opportunities, exist for pastors serving in cross-racial/cross cultural (CRCC) ministry. In

“THIS ROOM IS WHAT HEAVEN MUST

2018, GCORR invited clergy serving in CRCC

LOOK LIKE, AND I DIDN’T HAVE TO DIE

appointments to attend Facing the Future,

TO SEE IT.”

a conference intended to equip them with How can churches get the most benefit from CRCC opportunities?

How can pastors minister faithfully, even where there is subtle resistance to change, or even overt racism or xenophobia in some congregations? And how can cabinets best provide for successful local ministries in CRCC settings? This manual, chockfull of best practices, addresses all these questions & more.

We all have/experience implicit biases.

the skills, personal care and professional

They show up in school, at work, even

development they needed to be more

-- Louisiana Area Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey,

in church, and they constantly work

successful serving congregations whose

during her closing sermon delivered at the 2018

to inform our beliefs, values, ideas

members don’t look like them. Attendees

Facing the Future conference.

and actions. GCORR created this workbook to

experienced meaningful worship and

help educate about implicit bias, one of the

workshops from sought-after leaders and

significant barriers to reaching our true goals of

professionals, shared their personal stories

diversity, community and equity.

and concerns, and engaged in peer-to-peer

WH AT I S . .? S E R I E S As humanity’s understanding and discussion of the concepts of race, racism and antiracism evolve, so have the words and phrases we use to advance racial justice. In our “What Is?” series, GCORR compiled concise definitions, examples and Biblical/theological foundations to create a common vocabulary for Christians as we engage in antiracism. This resource allows the Church to speak powerfully and more effectively with one voice.

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engaging event that our attendees expected, one that targeted their specific needs instead

conversations.

of exacerbating their online meeting fatigue.

Facing the Future was held again in 2022—but

Workshops at the conference were led by

under radically different meeting circumstances

mental health professionals (who were also

due to the pandemic. More than 200 United

UMC pastors) to provide the participants a safe

Methodist clergy attended the six-hour virtual

space to reflect and learn skills to promote

conference, which was centered on the theme

personal care.

of self-care.

A hybrid FTF conference is being planned for

Pulling off a successful six-hour online

later this year. Thanks be to God for the gift of

conference was an all-staff effort to deliver the

technology!

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MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS

B I B L E /S M A L L G R O U P STU DY

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WO R S H I P R E S O U R C E S

Being the Church with the Oppressed: Four African Perspectives

ICC Sermon Starters: Promoting Intercultural Competency in Preaching

Christians across the world are doing the work of justice,

the Biblical text while engaging Intercultural Competency (ICC) as a value

transformation, healing, repentance and repair. This four-part,

and skill set. GCORR is excited to walk alongside you as you expand your

small-group Biblical study was created by and written from the

preaching skills, learn how to incorporate ICC into your sermons and show

perspectives of four Christian clergypersons from Zimbabwe, Côte

your congregations how ICC is an authentic expression of our faith.

This resource assists both clergy and lay preachers to attend faithfully to

d’Ivoire, Mozambique and Nigeria. In cities and villages alike, planted seeds are now bearing the fruits of unity, ministry with the poor and marginalized, truth-telling and confronting injustice and healing the land.

Racial Justice Prayers Informed by Scripture and created by diverse leaders across our global

LENTEN RESOURCES Imago Dei A Lenten Bible Study of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Imago Dei - A Lenten Bible Study of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion This five-week study, written in the style of Lectio Divina, helps us see the sacred image of God in each other. Each person takes turns sharing by mutual invitation. In this form of Bible study, all

5 Week Bible Study Using Lectio Divina

participants are equal, all insights are of equal value, and there are no “wrong answers” to correct.

denomination, GCORR offers churches a series of prayers that can easily be incorporated into worship, each focused on a different, but equally important, part of Racial Justice: Liberation, Hope, Reconciliation, Healing, Repentance and Lamentation.

Communion Liturgy Whether you want to honor cultural diversity, thank God for the gift of a new pastor, or recognize that Black Lives Matter, these communion liturgies help you celebrate the Great Thanksgiving in deep, meaningful and inclusive ways.

Faithful Lent: Connecting the Practices of Lent and Antiracism This six-week study was created from the faith-filled assumption that when we take seriously our Lenten traditions and what is necessary for the work of anti-racism, we find that the two complement each other, not compete. Much of this study is organized along with worship-based categories such as scripture reading, scripture reflection and prayer.

Roll Down, Justice!

This six-session, song-based study asks us to ponder two important questions: What are you prepared to give in order to have a closer walk with God; and what can you give in order to embrace a new

GCORR resources are essential to our community, as we strive to live out our Christian faith in our daily lived experiences as Asian American Pacific Islanders. We use GCORR resources to reflect theologically on our discipleship as AAPIs and on how we can live out our faith, pursuing antiracism and freedom for all as God intended. We seek to become allies of those who are marginalized, and GCORR resources are crucial to our Christian formation.

the work of justice? We all learn in different ways and this study calls us to sing to ourselves and to each other the call that we each have to “seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.”

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- Danielle Kim, Pastor of Ka:ll Community www.kallcommunity.org

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O N L I N E CO U R S E S Antiracism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to be Allies This online, three-session course centers on one big idea: that antiracism is anything that actually interrupts

I N S T I TUT I O N A L E Q U I TY

and dismantles racism. The content focuses on defining antiracism, identifying antiracism, and practicing antiracism by interrupting racism.

GCORR ASSISTS THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TO BUILD SYSTEMS, POLICIES

Christian community more responsive of the needs of all God’s people as well as engage a more diverse and inclusive membership.

You Are Here: First Steps for White Christians on Race and Racism

AND PROCESSES THAT LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL.

DEI Framework Information

This course supports Christians who want to acquire a

What Is? Series

Imago DEI (Diversity, Equity and

GCORR provided a compilation of

work on institutional equity. We

fundamental understanding of race and racism from a biblical perspective. This four-part, self-directed course offers videos, reflections and activities to help people of faith to recognize racism and begin to challenge it in their lives.

Inclusion) is the foundation for GCORR’s

concise definitions, examples and

believe that the Image of God found

Biblical/theological foundations

in the person of the Holy Trinity is Diverse,

to create common vocabulary for

Equitable and Inclusive. Check out our resources

Christians as we engage in antiracism work.

Implicit Bias: What We Don’t Think We Think This resource has been created for anyone who is interested in learning and teaching others about implicit bias. The learning engagements included in each section allow for individual work, group work and sermon preparation. All of the learning engagements recognize and lift up the reality that context is known best by those on the ground, honoring the wisdom that you and others will

that explain the biblical understanding for institutional equity: Imago DEI Bible Study,

Denominational Support

Imago DEI Communion Liturgy, Trinitarian Litany and Trinity Sunday resources.

GCORR facilitates a quarterly gathering of DEI staff and volunteers throughout the

Coming Soon

denomination.

Concept Paper and Videos

Racial/Ethnicity Audits

Similar to What is? Series, the Concept Paper

bring to this material. Each exercise is an invitation to the sacred journey

When churches or conferences engage the

and videos will provide a deeper understanding

of discovering with your church and community how God is leading you

expertise of GCORR in designing a racial/

of concepts related to antiracism work, including

to use this material faithfully within your context.

ethnicity audit, they receive data/facts to build

definition, examples, biblical/theological

on matters related to racial/ethnic inclusion

foundations and Wesleyan quadrilateral.

and antiracism goals. The audit results will

What We Don’t Think We Think (General Conference Delegates)

question the current policies and practices and is a starting point for measurement. By having facts, it will allow for more informed, data-

This course was specifically designed to aid each delegate

driven decision making toward establishing

in addressing implicit bias during their time together at

new financial, programmatic, mission goals,

the General Conference. You’ll learn how to recognize and

and ministry priorities which

question implicit bias as well as understand how it works as

help build a

you come together with members of our Beloved Community to create new policies, procedures, etc., on behalf of our global denomination.

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MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS

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RACIAL JUSTICE ACTION AND PRAYER CHALLENGE

CO R R A C T I O N F U N D G R A N T S ( CA F )

W

The CORR Action Fund is an exciting part of the ministry of the General Commission on Religion and Every day a prayer, written by a

Race and The United Methodist Church because it provides empowerment and encouragement to

as a spiritual and actionable practice. Beginning

different United Methodist across

people working to make a difference in their local communities all around the world.

on the Juneteenth 2022 celebration, GCORR

the globe, was offered and the work

created a six-week long Racial Justice Prayer &

was translated into five languages

Action Challenge and invited all United Meth-

(English, French, Korean, Spanish and Tagalog).

odists to participate. We posted daily prayers on

In total, more than 40 prayers were offered

social media as well as included weekly chal-

for racial justice, and the prayers were used

lenges to help participants put their prayers into

in worship services, small group settings,

action.

dedicated prayer service, via social media,

e are called to work toward liberation—

Total amount of grants given:

$1,637,154

Total number of projects funded:

105

Countries impacted: United States, Philippines, Germany, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania “The United Methodist Church is the most racially diverse expression of Methodism in the world. For over fifty years, GCORR has helped the denomination more fully realize the blessing of our racial diversity. As denominational and cultural realities unfold, GCORR is poised, energized, and equipped to respond to the call of God and the needs of the denomination.”

- Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi

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Funded projects were centered around: • Mental health awareness and wellness • Trauma-informed approaches

• Intercultural competency

• Vital conversations on race and equity

• Dismantling racism and tribalism

• Innovative thinking

• Systemic equity

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AWA R D -WI N N I N G P O D CA ST

VI TA L CO N VE R S AT I O N S VI D E O S E R I E S

GCORR launched the first season of our video

GCORR invited contemporary theologians, sociologists, laity, clergy and other thought leaders to sit

podcast, “Expanding the Table,” in 2021. We

down and share their expertise, perspectives and guidance in this four-part video series.

interviewed religious and civic leaders who shared practices and experiences to inform and

Vital Conversation 1: Realities of Race and

the challenges, perspectives and

inspire Christians to live out their faith and bring

Racism dealt with challenges of race, culture and

struggles of others with whom we may

the Word of God to bear on championing human

oppression in the Church and world today.

never have had the opportunity to

and civil rights for all people.

communicate.

Vital Conversation 2: Race, Culture, Tribe

In 2023, GCORR released the second season

and the Global Church featured compelling

Vital Conversation 4: Race, Culture, the Church

of the pod, which features real, relatable and

voices speaking on issues of socio-economic

and Human Sexuality invited friends inside and

meaningful conversations on race and culture

justice, ethnicity and culture, and what has

out of the church (most of them people of color)

between members of our own diverse staff. Learn

been described as the “rocky road toward truth,

to speak authentically as well as weigh in with

about the unique, special ways we celebrate

reconciliation and peace.”

their perspectives on questions such as: Should

family holidays as well as hear us share personal accounts of how racism affected each of us.

Season 1, Episode 5: Moving Your Church from

Season 1, Episode 1: Racism, Police Reform, and

Book Studies to Anti-Racist Actions

Faith

This episode was awarded 1st place in the

This episode was awarded 3rd place in the

podcast category by the United Methodist

podcast category by the United Methodist

Association of Communicators in 2022.

Association of Communicators in 2022.

our denomination fully accept and include those

Vital Conversation 3: Young Adults, Social

who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or

Justice and the Church invited us to consider

intersex—or exclude them?

B O O K S TU D I E S Wondering what books to read and discuss with

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members of your council or congregation? We

Where Everyone Thrives

have some great suggestions! GCORR developed

G CO R R R E A L TA L KS During the height of the pandemic, GCORR created a series of video conversations with community and

Biblically-informed studies to accompany the

faith leaders to discuss and uncover the disparities of race, ethnicity, age and socioeconomic status that are deeply embedded in our social fabric.

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Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing

following books:

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Equity: How to Design Organizations

America’s Heartland

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How to Fight Racism: Courageous

Primal Leadership: Learning to Lead with

Christianity and the Journey Toward

Emotional Intelligence

Racial Justice

Tempered Resilience: How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change

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White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity

GCORR Real Talks discussed the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities, the rise of xenophobia and anti-Asian racism during the pandemic, how the pandemic impacted Native American communities, the reality of ongoing healthcare inequities experienced by Black communities, even racial inequity experienced when applying for the U.S.based CARES Act emergency aid.

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COMING SOON

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Coming Soon

From GCORR

FREE RESOURCES

O N L I N E CO U R S E S

Why is it important for the Church to understand and celebrate

GCORR is here to support anyone committed to the pursuit of life-long

Juneteenth? Are there more inclusive ways to celebrate World

learning, unpacking unconscious biases, dismantling racism and building

Communion Sunday? How can my church better support LGBTQ justice

Beloved Community for all by offering a range of targeted online courses.

and equality? For resources to answer these questions and many more,

We want you to be able to learn at your own pace and do so where and

make sure to bookmark the GCORR website. We are hard at work creating

when it’s most convenient to you.

new, specific and varied resources to take you through every upcoming

We’re currently at work on creating the following online courses:

event or annual celebration on your church’s calendar.

S M A L L G R O U P STU D I E S

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How To Be An Ally

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Understanding The Fundamentals of Intersectionality

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Identifying What Microaggressions Are and How To Stop Perpetuating Them

Deeply meaningful, open-minded and Spirit-led conversations are possible when small groups of dedicated individuals gather to discuss important issues. GCORR is currently at work creating small group studies around

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How To Become An Anti-Racist Church Leader

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Intercultural Competency 101

important topics such as how to be a BIPOC ally and how children can become anti-racists.

B O O K STU D I E S Wondering what books to read and discuss with members of your council or congregation? We have some great suggestions! GCORR is developing Biblically-informed studies to accompany the following books:

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mean that all racism or prejudice is gone,” he said. “Racism has many foci…

Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology

it’s attitudinal, behavioral, and institutional. You can have an organization

and Identity by Robert Chao Romero

which is diverse … and still have behavioral racism in it. We still have

•

Our Hearts were Strangely Lukewarm by John Elford

•

Unmasking Racism by Ernest Lyght

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Biting the Hand: Growing Up Asian in Black and White America by Julia Lee

•

“We have become a more racially and diverse church, but that does not

to fight and address attitudinal racism—sometimes conscious, often unconscious.”

- Bishop Woodie White

The Land is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery by Sarah Augustine

•

God is Samoan: Dialogues between Culture and Theology in the Pacific by Matt Tomlinson

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CENTRAL CONFERENCE

CENTRAL CONFERENCE

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Central Conference During the 2012 General Conference, delegates directed GCORR’s General Secretary to expand the agency’s work beyond its mostly U.S. focus. This mandate to adopt a more worldwide perspective exposed specific cultural realities and inequities faced

by Church leaders in each of the Central Conferences.

Seeding new work­­̶in new areas with new people̶requires education, relationship building, a commitment to shared goals and time.

For GCORR leadership and staff, asking themselves a simple but direct question, “What exactly can we DO?” has helped focus the agency’s engagement with each of the Central Conferences, explained General Secretary Giovanni Arroyo. And now fruits of that labor can be celebrated even as the work continues.

H E L P I N G PAVE A N EW R E A L I TY I N T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

A

2017 roundtable conversation with leaders

relevant to their conference and Episcopal area,

of the Episcopal areas across the Philippines—on

Arroyo explained. Now the important work of

how GCORR’s Ministry Model could be adopted

identifying specific GCORR resources that can be

to a local context—led to “ongoing reimagining of

contextualized for each of these communities is

how to support local UMC leaders and their work

an important focus of the agency’s work moving

with indigenous communities,” Arroyo said.

forward, he added.

In 2019, only one of the 25 conferences had

“The reality of forced displacement creates

a Commission on Religion and Race (CORR)

new tensions when members of one tribe are

committee. Today all 25 conferences have a

suddenly forced to move to a new area, one with

CORR committee—thanks to the creation of a

community members not of their tribe. This is

Philippines’ National Conference Commission

where the vital conversations part of the Ministry

on Religion and Race and the decision of its

Model is useful in teaching people how to navigate

leadership to formally adopt GCORR’s Ministry

their own implicit biases around that,” Arroyo said.

Model to guide all its work.

“It would be great so see indigenous cultures

In 2024, the Philippines Central Conference

being fully embraced into the life of the Church,

will host its first national gathering of CORR

he added. “Part of being the Church is allowing

committee chairs and Bishops—to educate all

people to claim their full identity in Christ, without

on the functions and work of the Ministry Model,

that having to be filtered through a colonial lens.”

and to help them develop strategies and work

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CENTRAL CONFERENCE

CENTRAL CONFERENCE

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G CO R R A S “ T H I N K PA R T N E R ” I N T H E D E M O C R AT I C R E PU B L I C O F CO N G O

F

our United Methodist Episcopal Areas have been established

in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), “and all four have the answers to addressing the realities of tribalism,” Arroyo said. “GCORR hosts the space for those conversations … we serve as a ‘think partner’ with the Church leaders in the DRC about how to resource and support what they imagine as next steps on working through the realities of tribalism.”

As in the Philippines, GCORR’s work in the DRC was paused because of the pandemic.

“It’s hard to do relational work virtually,” Arroyo explained. Leading up to the resumption of in-person gatherings, Central Conferences leaders were able to use GCORR-generated resources to prep for the

C U LTU R A L CO M P E T E N C Y G U I D E S G CO R R WO R K I N E U R O P E A N C E N T R A L CO N F E R E N C E

across differences, and uniting groups in shared goals and

E

have welcomed migrants and refugees

awareness of even the need to have a

outcomes, is integral to GCORR’s work, Arroyo said.

displaced from their countries of origin

conversation around difference, is how

due to war or environmental disasters.

change starts, Arroyo explained.

cross-cultural work they intended to resume once safe again to do so.

Bringing diverse people to a shared table, fostering engagement

“We want to reclaim the worldwide connectional church. The Scripture says, ‘If one part of the body suffers, we all suffer.’

“We need to understand each other’s pain. We are siblings in Christ; therefore, our discipleship should take precedence. We need to reclaim the gospel imperative of love and justice.

“Is it just justice for ‘us’ or justice for ‘all?’”

uropean countries for decades

A challenge for European Central Conference leaders is to guard against forced assimilation on these new

Small steps, such as creating an

“My hope for our European Central Conference, as global migration continues to be the lived reality for EU

community members.

countries, is that there’s an openness to

GCORR’s work in Europe is “all about

different ways to be in ministry together.

cultural competency … what it means to

GCORR is willing to be a conduit to

be a church of different languages and

assist in helping think through all the

practices,” Arroyo said.

possibilities and resource them as needed.”

The agency has directed funding toward helping the European Central

“They have the skill set to embrace this

Conference hire a coordinator of

gift from God.”

migrating ministries. In 2022, GCORR provided additional funding to bring together European churches whose membership is primarily made up of refugees and better support their ministries.

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PARTNERSHIPS + CELEBRATIONS

PARTNERSHIPS + CELEBRATIONS

Partnerships

Resource Website – r2hub.org

GCORR partners with the UMC’s racial and ethnic caucuses as well as

2022 alone, it had 93,000 visitors.

We launched a new website to house all of our resource offerings in one place. In

with the UMC Disability Ministries Committee in order to achieve the

Our resources cover a wide range of

goal of dismantling all forms of oppression.

•

Black Methodists for Church Renewal

Watch Intro Videos Here

•

Metodistas Asociados Representando la Causa Hispano Americana

•

Native American International Caucus

topics (antiracism, worship, intercultural competency, equity, disability) and come in a variety of formats (downloadable, liturgy, discussion guide, book study).

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GCORR

Partnership with Disability Ministries Committee and Racial Ethnic Caucuses of the UMC GCORR has developed and strengthened partnerships with the five racial and ethnic caucuses, as well as the Disability Ministries Committee of the UMC. This includes hosting and facilitating Inter-Ethnic Strategy Development Group (IESDG) meetings.

Inter-agency Collaborations

New Federation of Asian American United Methodists

Multilingual Resources

•

Pacific Islanders National Caucus of the United Methodist Church

With new resources like the Racial

collaborated with fellow UMC agencies:

•

Disability Ministries Committee

Justice Prayer & Action Challenge, the “What Is?” Series, and Being the Church

•

•

Here are a few ways we have

Communications on streamlining

with the Oppressed: Four African

Celebrations

technology needs and various video/

Perspectives Bible Study, GCORR now offers resources in English, French, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog

Collaborated with United Methodist

resource projects

•

Conducted comprehensive all-staff training for the General Board Of

and Tongan.

Discipleship

•

Teamed up with General Board of

Facing the Future Conference for Clergy Serving in Cross-Racial/Cross-Cultural/ Multicultural Ministry (2018, 2022, 2023)

Awards For Our Resources (VC, podcast, CRT) Several GCORR resource series

and equity with UMC local church

We hosted two conferences for clergy serving in cross-

(including the Vital Conversations

groups

racial/cross-cultural/multicultural ministry contexts and

Video Series and Expanding the Table

plan to hold a third in November 2023. The conferences

Podcast) won industry communications

are grounded in biblical and theological frameworks,

awards, both within and outside the

foster an environment of affirmation, have engaging,

UMC.

dynamic multicultural worship, and feature practical,

•

Vital Conversation Series

•

Podcast episodes:

relevant workshops and tools to further equip attendees in their CRCC ministry journeys.

GCORR Online School – Teachable.com We launched our series of online courses enabling over 2,000 students to take any of our six courses at their own pace to further their antiracism journeys. More courses to come! Take a course at: gcorr.teachable.com

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Church and Society for seminar programs promoting antiracism

•

Ensured a fair complaint resolution process in the UMC with General Commission on the Status and Role of Women

▶ Season 1, Episode 1 – Racism, Police Reform, and Faith: 3rd place in podcast category by UMAC in 2022

▶ Season 1, Episode 5 – Moving Your Church from Book Studies to AntiRacist Actions: 1st place in podcast category by UMAC in 2022

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FINANCIAL REALITY

CONCLUSION

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Financial Reality Racial equity guides all that we do. Each training, grant award, program, conference, or resource that GCORR creates is done in service of building God’s Beloved Community.

Donate Now

Help GCORR champion diversity, equity, and inclusion; develop interculturally competent leaders; and catalyze authentic communities.

Your financial support makes this important work happen.

Join the movement for liberation and justice!

Make a gift to GCORR today.

Conclusion Because we love Jesus, we must not allow ourselves to be silenced for justice and equity.

The Church has benefited from centering whiteness as the norm by which we operate and has fallen into a place of “othering” versus embracing and welcoming. There is crying out today in our communities for the United Methodist Church to be led by antiracist disciples who are willing to disrupt the status quo.

GCORR has worked hard to be a welcoming, supportive place where BIPOC people and their white allies can come together and equip one another to be leaders in the Church.

We are committed to being the anti-tribal, antiracism support system our denomination needs—and becoming ever more faithful to our global calling. We’re dedicated to finding new ways of engaging more and younger voices of leadership and to honoring the cultural differences and contexts in which the work of antiracism is conducted.

Let’s meet up at the crossroads and walk this path together, making each other better and more faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

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