On the way to becoming an AntiRacist Congregation

1
On the way to becoming an Anti-Racist Congregation

• The journey of the Springfield Dominicans
• and the Anti-Racism Team

2
1993

• The General Chapter mandates General
  Administration to provide for a community study
  of racism and for experiences of direct contact
  with people of diverse cultures.
• We, as community, begin to prepare ourselves for
  ministry to the growing number of Hispanics in
  the United States.
• Our Justice and Peace Committee begins its study
  of racism Americas Original Sin.

3
1994

• At a community study week, we begin to look at
  our experience, to understand racism, and to
  listen to the voices of persons of color

4
1996

• Community study focuses on racism and religious
  vocations
• Leadership team and the justice and peace
  committee attend a conference called Healing the
  PastCreating the Future Black and White
  Together
• Formation of the Springfield diocesan Task Force
  Against Racial Injustice
• Community involvement in scattered-site housing
  issue in Springfield
• Establishment of Josephine House, providing
  community presence on the east side of Springfield

5
1997 - 2001

• During General Chapter of 1997 the community
  commits to this direction statement
• In response to the God of compassion, we
  corporately commit to be inclusive in our
  relationships, to embrace the rich diversity of
  people, and to stand in solidarity with and for
  persons who are marginated.
• The chapter also endorses our participation in
  the Springfield Project and calls on community
  members to assess the printed, spoken and lived
  word we preach for sensitivity to diversity and
  inclusivity.
• We begin a partnership with Springfield Project
  HOPE (Home Ownership Program for Equity) and
  collaboration with residents and others to
  improve eastside neighborhoods

6
2001

• During General Chapter we pass a resolution
  that calls on General Administration to Engage
  us in opportunities to understand our racial
  biases and to embrace cultural diversity in our
  congregation, our church, and our world.
• Community leadership explores options for our
  continued process

7
2002

• In August, Crossroads Ministries is engaged to
  train Springfield Dominican anti-racism team
• By January, the Planning Design Task Force is
  in place

8
2003 - 2004

• Introductory workshops involving sisters and
  partners of color are held at
• St. Benedict the African parish, Chicago,
  Illinois
• Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield, Illinois
• St. Dominic Hospital, Jackson, Mississippi

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2004 - 2005

• Anti-Racism Team training sessions are held
• At the General Chapter of 2005 we passed this
  resolution