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RACE EQUITY
We see racism as a critical issue throughout history and today. Our commitment to this issue is rooted in the belief that all God’s children are valued in furthering our vocation and called to live into a beloved community. In the words of the prophet Isaiah, we strive to live as “repairers of the breach.”
Westwood's Racial Equity Statement
God's View and Our Call
As followers of Christ, the Westwood community is called to dismantle racism by promoting a continual process of repentance, healing, and reconciliation. Westwood acknowledges that race shapes social structures, produces racialized disparities, and perpetuates inequitable outcomes.
Our History
Westwood has served St. Louis Park since 1944. We acknowledge that as a historically white church, we operate within and benefit from a system of privilege and, as a result, have knowingly and unwittingly participated in marginalization. To live more effectively into God’s call, we continue to work to dismantle these systems of privilege to see and value our neighbors, both racially and culturally.
Our Commitment
We acknowledge that any entrenched, self-perpetuating system of oppression requires an equally tenacious commitment—a long-term personal and collective dedication to the journey, including our time and resources. In particular:
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Westwood commits to a process of learning, naming hard truths, and engaging in meaningful internal, interpersonal, and communal conversations around race.
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Westwood seeks to recognize how historical and contemporary racism has affected ourselves, our relationships, our church, and our community.
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Westwood’s leadership is intentionally building a racial equity lens into our congregation’s planning, policies, and priorities.
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Westwood is empowering lay leaders and a racial equity team to facilitate racial healing and provide tools in support of congregation-wide change.
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Westwood strives to be a catalyst for engagement, understanding, and action, creating a world aligned with God’s vision for us.
​​God desires wholeness for all people. Following Christ’s example, we seek repentance and reconciliation by investing ourselves, our time, and our resources into racial healing and systemic change.
Our Promise
As we seek change, we hope to also be changed. As we learn and grow along our journey, we will continually return to this statement ensuring our work and our words remain aligned with God’s vision of justice.
ENGAGEMENT
“If you want to build a ship,
don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”
We hope to create a longing for the benefit of all people, that is ever-present in our minds and informs our actions as we lean into our theme of Leadership in a Culture of Grace!
Westwood Staff Development at the Somali Museum in Midtown
You are invited to engage at Westwood or personally on this Core Value - Race Equity!
Monthly Updates
Actions Over the Year
We have been excited by the momentum and engagement this year. If you have questions about past events or resources, please get in touch with the church office or a member of the Race Equity team. Here are several highlights:
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​Westwood Tribute Concert to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., watch the replay
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2026 Minneapolis MLK Annual Breakfast
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Monthly Westwood discussions on race
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Legislative work on race equity
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Ramadan Iftar Meal
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Quarterly staff development events/visits/dedicated learning on race equity
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A 9-week video series and group study titled "Race and Christianity in the U.S."
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​Book studies
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The ELCA's National Day of Racial Healing
