"Racism—a mix of power, privilege, and prejudice—is sin, a violation of God’s intention for humanity."
"The resulting racial, ethnic, or cultural barriers deny the truth that all people are God’s creatures and, therefore, persons of dignity. Racism fractures and fragments both church and society. The Church confesses Christ, who has broken down the dividing wall. (Ephesians 2:14) Christ, our peace, has put an end to the hostility of race, ethnicity, gender, and economic class. The Church proclaims Christ, confident this good news sets at liberty those captive behind walls of hostility." (Luke 4:18)
—From the ELCA Social Statement on Race, Culture, and Ethnicity, Adopted in 1993
A Land Acknowledgement
The North Carolina Synod office is located on the original and ancestral homelands of the Catawba and Keyauwee people, and we acknowledge their presence here since time immemorial. We also wish to recognize and honor all our Indigenous siblings who have called and continue to call this land their home.
Read the full NC Synod Land Acknowledgment.
See Land Acknowledgment statements to be read prior to synod meetings.
Additionally, the NC Synod Council is asking congregations to make their own land acknowledgment honoring and naming the ancestral tribal land. Learn more from the resources below:
Orange Shirt Day—An Act of Holy Remembrance
An Act of Holy Remembrance
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The Rev. Jack Russell, pastor of Living Waters, Cherokee, shares some sacred memories about residential boarding schools with Pastor Danielle DeNise.
ELCA Statements
This is the Day: We Are a Nation in Distress
Letter from ELCA Bishop Eaton – June 5, 2020
Visit LinkChurch Must Combat Racism at the Grassroots
Lutheran World Federation featuring Bishop Patricia A. Davenport
Visit LinkThe Stewardship of White Privilege in the Aftermath of George Floyd’s Death
by Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson and Shari Seifert
Visit LinkResources and Studies
It’s Hard to Understand Antiracism When You Don’t Understand What It Means to Be Racist
Ibram X. Kendi panel discussion
Visit Link Watch VideoThe Cross and the Lynching Tree: A Requiem for Ahmaud Arbery
The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr’s sermon preached May 17, 2020 followed by a panel discussion
Watch VideoBecoming the Body of Christ – Condemning White Supremacy
Southeastern Synod ELCA-hosted webinar on May 21
Watch VideoRacism: An Additional Curated List of Resources
by Sharon Ely Pearson – practical tools and ideas for families
Visit LinkMajor Themes of Racial Justice
Documented by The Equal Justice Institute and Legacy Museum
Visit LinkWhite Privilege-Leader’s Guide
The Thoughtful Christian-Faithful living in a complex world
View DocumentTalking about Race
A guide from the National Museum of African-American History and Culture
Visit LinkLitanies and Prayers
ELCA Commemoration of the Emmanuel Nine
Worship Resources, Anti-Racism Pledge, & Additional Resources
Visit LinkDay of Racial Healing
Day of Racial Healing
The ELCA observes the Day of Racial Healing annually on the Tuesday following the celebration of the birth of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Origins
- Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent, June 2019—ELCA Church Council acts to encourage observance of an annual Day of Repentance throughout the ELCA
- ELCA Church Council Actions, April 2021—ELCA Church Council acts to affirm Presiding Bishop Eaton's naming of an annual ELCA Day of Repentance from Racism
- National Day of Racial Healing—annual observance hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
2022 Day of Racial Healing: Tuesday, January 18, 2022
- Members and congregations are encouraged to use the resources below in worship services on the Sunday prior to the Day of Racial Healing
- The synod hosted a Day of Racial Healing virtual prayer service on January 18 | Watch Recording on Facebook
Liturgical Resources
- ELCA Worship Resources for the Day of Racial Healing
- The Work of Lamenting Racism in All Creation Sings
Additional Resources
- Continue the Conversation: 2022 Resources for Action from the W.W. Kellogg Foundation
