The civil rights movement as a model of social transformation

Seminars

1. Damascus Road Antiracism (a three-hour workshop)
Racism is a complex issue which cannot be resolved in a three-hour workshop. This brief introduction will, however, provide a glimpse of an analysis of racism within U.S. society and the Mennonite church. We will introduce a working definition of racism, explore the difference between individual and systemic racism, establish the need for a common, faithbased analysis, and provide resources to continue addressing racism in the days and years ahead. Led by Conrad Moore and Brenda Zook-Friesen, Co-directors of Damascus Road Antiracism program, MCC U.S.

2. Taking a WiderStand
In a country where racism continues to lurk and thrive, white Anabaptists committed to anti-racism are taking the stand of resistance, the wider stand. This seminar will look at ways that white anti-racists can work in accountable ways on issues of white privilege and white identity. WiderStand is an Anabaptist white aniti-racist action and reflection community in Lancaster, Pa. Led by Tina Hartman, Administrative Assistant, MCC U.S.

3. Restorative Justice: Prophetic, Pastoral, or Perpetuating
This workshop will outline the framework and principles of restorative justice within a biblical context and look at some of the hopes and challenges of the philosophy, as well as how it impacts our mission as a church. Led by Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz and Michelle Armster, Director of Mennonite Conciliation Services, MCC U.S.

4. Becoming a Peace Church (or synagogue, mosque, or community)—John Stoner
Ways to weed violence out of our roots and branches, our holy writings and histories, by engaging in a challenging communal process of self-examination, critique, and transformation.

Look at history, contemporary right wing ideology, and a future of nonviolent struggle based on the model of Jesus. Led by John Stoner, Director of Every Church a Peace Church.

5. Christian Peacemaker Teams
Peacemaking is a set of beliefs and skills that we learn and develop through ongoing practice, action, and reflection. We believe that we learn by doing and reflecting (praxis). This workshop will involve a series of participatory "role plays"—an acting out of engagements—drawn directly from CPT’s violence-reduction projects. Each role play will highlight a "learning" from CPT’s experience, followed by group debriefing and reflection.

6. Second Mile Peace Journey
Looking for fresh new material to inspire your congregation to act for peace and justice? Come and learn more about the Second Mile journey. Second Mile materials include Bible study, stories, probing questions, suggestions for action, and worship aids. Take a sneak peek at www.gosecondmile.org, then come to the workshop and try it out yourself! Led by Titus Peachey, Peace Educator, MCC U.S.