The Ministry of Racial Diversity (MRD)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV)

“In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist we must be anti-racist.” Angela Y. Davis

As a nation we have all seen the tragic death of George Floyd through different media outlets, in addition to the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner and many others who were killed because of police brutality. 

Racism is like a cancer in our society that poisons our blood and destroys our hearts.

The laws of the land should be just and be applied equally to all races, nationalities, gender and without regard for sexual orientation or religion. 

So especially at this time when the hurt and pain from racism has once again been raised up for all to see, we put our voices together to make an intentional and visible stand with all Americans who are standing up against all forms of racism and are seeking justice, equality and peace for all.

As Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”.

Who we are:

Founded in 2006, the Ministry of Racial Diversity carries forward it’s ideals at St. Barnabas with kindness, boldness and intentionality.

The Mission of the Ministry of Racial Diversity is to follow the teachings of Jesus where each of us is a child of God of equal worth. We strive to broaden the hearts and minds of the St. Barnabas community to learn the history and current impact of institutional racism. We will be intentional in supporting the development of antiracist policies and practicing antiracist behavior.

The group has several primary goals, which are designed to:

·  Work in conjunction with the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey’s Anti-Racism Commission (https://dioceseofnj.org/ministry/anti-racism-ministry);

·  Promote and encourage diversity training and educational opportunities for vestry members and the congregation;

·  Deepen our cross-racial, multi-cultural relationships within the church and community.

In our journey to cultivate a respectful community environment as demonstrated by the range of activities planned, supported and sponsored over the years, we have participated in anti-racism training; conferences; diocesan sponsored activities; current events, videos and book discussions; group luncheons/dinners; and inclusive celebrations of our friendships and our common Christian values.

To strengthen our commitment within the church community and advocate for a truly anti-racist community, MRD members have organized, planned or been involved with several enterprising activities for the benefit of the congregation.  Our governing principles are:

·  The teachings of Jesus

·  Openness and respect for differing perspectives

·  Support and promotion of the mission of St. Barnabas and the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey

Meetings are generally conducted monthly in the church and are open to all St. Barnabas parishioners.

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TEN THINGS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RACE

© 2003 California Newsreel. All rights reserved.

Our eyes tell us that people look different. No one has trouble distinguishing a Czech from a Chinese. But what do those differences mean? Are they biological? Has race always been with us? How does race affect people today?

There's less - and more - to race than meets the eye:

1. Race is a modern idea. Ancient societies, like the Greeks, did not divide people according to physical distinctions, but according to religion, status, class, even language. The English language didn't even have the word 'race' until it turns up in 1508 in a poem by William Dunbar referring to a line of kings.

2. Race has no genetic basis. Not one characteristic, trait or even gene distinguishes all the members of one so-called race from all the members of another so-called race.

3. Human subspecies don't exist. Unlike many animals, modern humans simply haven't been around long enough or isolated enough to evolve into separate subspecies or races. Despite surface appearances, we are one of the most similar of all species.

4. Skin color really is only skin deep. Most traits are inherited independently from one another. The genes influencing skin color have nothing to do with the genes influencing hair form, eye shape, blood type, musical talent, athletic ability or forms of intelligence. Knowing someone's skin color doesn't necessarily tell you anything else about him or her.

5. Most variation is within, not between, "races." Of the small amount of total human variation, 85% exists within any local population, be they Italians, Kurds, Koreans or Cherokees. About 94% can be found within any continent. That means two random Koreans may be as genetically different as a Korean and an Italian.

6. Slavery predates race. Throughout much of human history, societies have enslaved others, often as a result of conquest or war, even debt, but not because of physical characteristics or a belief in natural inferiority. Due to a unique set of historical circumstances, ours was the first slave system where all the slaves shared similar physical characteristics.

7. Race and freedom evolved together. The U.S. was founded on the radical new principle that "All men are created equal." But our early economy was based largely on slavery. How could this anomaly be rationalized? The new idea of race helped explain why some people could be denied the rights and freedoms that others took for granted.

8. Race justified social inequalities as natural.  As the race idea evolved, white superiority became "common sense" in America. It justified not only slavery but also the extermination of Indians, exclusion of Asian immigrants, and the taking of Mexican lands by a nation that professed a belief in democracy. Racial practices were institutionalized within American government, laws, and society.

9. Race isn't biological, but racism is still real. Race is a powerful social idea that gives people different access to opportunities and resources. Our government and social institutions have created advantages that disproportionately channel wealth, power, and resources to white people. This affects everyone, whether we are aware of it or not.

10. Colorblindness will not end racism. Pretending race doesn't exist is not the same as creating equality. Race is more than stereotypes and individual prejudice. To combat racism, we need to identify and remedy social policies and institutional practices that advantage some groups at the expense of others.

RACE - The Power of an Illusion was produced by California Newsreel in association with the Independent Television Service (ITVS). Major funding provided by the Ford Foundation and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Diversity Fund.