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
A curriculum that explores the history of racism in U.S. Christianity from European contact to the present. A group of over 20 Westwood members participated in the 9-week series, wrapping up at the end of April.
“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!
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 contact the church office or a Race Equity team member. Here are several highlights:
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Ramadan Iftar Meal
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Staff development event at Rabata Cultural Center & Bookstore
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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 study of "You Are Your Best Thing," a collection of essays edited by Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown
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The ELCA's National Day of Racial Healing
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Various MLK events throughout the community, including the breakfast honoring him in downtown Minneapolis