Social Justice Ministry
To participate or for more information, please contact one of the Social Justice Committee co-leaders Susan Pfabe-Wiggins or Colleen Maki
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The Bethany Social Justice Committee exists to respond to the Gospel’s compelling message to love & care for one another (John 15:12) and to “do justice” “love mercy” and “walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8). As such, the Committee will provide a process by which members of Bethany can engage in programs and activities that will increase our knowledge about a variety of social issues and inequities, so that we might take action in ways that will serve to honor the message and purpose of Christ’s gospel.
METHODS AND GOALS:
On a quarterly basis we focus on a different theme related to social justice in our community and world. Through a rhythm of activities that encouage learning, doing, and sharing we dive deeply into these themes. And the conclusion of each quarter we invite the congregation to participate in Sophia's Dinner Church, a special event that unites us in worship and gives space for crucial discussion and sharing on the theme that quarter.
The Bethany Social Justice Committee exists to respond to the Gospel’s compelling message to love & care for one another (John 15:12) and to “do justice” “love mercy” and “walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8). As such, the Committee will provide a process by which members of Bethany can engage in programs and activities that will increase our knowledge about a variety of social issues and inequities, so that we might take action in ways that will serve to honor the message and purpose of Christ’s gospel.
METHODS AND GOALS:
On a quarterly basis we focus on a different theme related to social justice in our community and world. Through a rhythm of activities that encouage learning, doing, and sharing we dive deeply into these themes. And the conclusion of each quarter we invite the congregation to participate in Sophia's Dinner Church, a special event that unites us in worship and gives space for crucial discussion and sharing on the theme that quarter.
"Learning" is a key focus of our work on the Social Justice Committee. Below are a list of books that have been read as part of the Social Justice Committees work and in other Bethany groups. We have included a short synopsis of each book for those that would like more information.
Book Recommendations
Dialogues on Race
Dialogues On: Race Learner Book replicates a conversational experience by giving participants a reader on race. Each topic is packed with well-researched information, but brought to life with the lived experience and stories of people at the center of the topic.
Dialogues On brings your adult small group together to tackle difficult topics and turn conflict into community. In addition to the learner book, Dialogues On: Race includes: - Dialogues On: Facilitator Guide offers a structured guide for leaders to develop new communication skills and lead the session for the week. - Dialogues On: DVD features a series of interviews to highlight the topic and help you dive deeper into race.
This curriculum contains topics for eight weeks of discussion in your small group for adults. Race is the third topic in the Dialogues On series, following Dialogues On: The Refugees Crisis and Dialogues On: Sexuality.
Dialogues On brings your adult small group together to tackle difficult topics and turn conflict into community. In addition to the learner book, Dialogues On: Race includes: - Dialogues On: Facilitator Guide offers a structured guide for leaders to develop new communication skills and lead the session for the week. - Dialogues On: DVD features a series of interviews to highlight the topic and help you dive deeper into race.
This curriculum contains topics for eight weeks of discussion in your small group for adults. Race is the third topic in the Dialogues On series, following Dialogues On: The Refugees Crisis and Dialogues On: Sexuality.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
Beyond race, class, or other factors, there is a powerful caste system that influences people’s lives and behavior and the nation’s fate. Linking the caste systems of America, India, and Nazi Germany, Isabel Wilkerson explores eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, including divine will, bloodlines, stigma, and more.
Using riveting stories about people—including Martin Luther King, Jr., baseball’s Satchel Paige, a single father and his toddler son, Wilkerson herself, and many others—she shows the ways that the insidious undertow of caste is experienced every day. Finally, she points forward to ways America can move beyond the artificial and destructive separations of human divisions, toward hope in our common humanity.
Using riveting stories about people—including Martin Luther King, Jr., baseball’s Satchel Paige, a single father and his toddler son, Wilkerson herself, and many others—she shows the ways that the insidious undertow of caste is experienced every day. Finally, she points forward to ways America can move beyond the artificial and destructive separations of human divisions, toward hope in our common humanity.