Dec 19, 2022National Day of Racial Healing (January 17, 2023)

The racial reckoning that’s been happening across the country has been critically important, but if we let it wane, it will be for nothing.

The National Day of Racial Healing originated in 2017 under W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation efforts, which serves as a community and national-based process to determine and bring about transformational and sustainable change in addition to talking about the historical and contemporary effects of racism in U.S. society.

Those observing the day are encouraged to acknowledge the historical and contemporary effects of racism in American society and foster greater awareness and understanding through truth-telling, affirming our common humanity, and inspiring collective, nonviolent action toward a more just and equitable world.

The National Day of Racial Healing is observed each year following the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday to allow us all to further draw upon the life lessons of the venerable civil rights leader.

Why do we want to observe the National Day of Racial Healing?

• Restores individuals and communities to wholeness.
• Repairs the damage caused by racism.
• Facilitates trust.
• Builds authentic relationships.
• Bridges divides.

Racial healing is at the heart of racial equity – the people work that leads to community, organizational and systems transformation.

The Diversity and Reconciliation Commission has asked the churches of The Diocese of West Missouri to open their doors for members of their congregations, neighbors, and other churches to come pray and reflect on the racism in our Church and our communities, and how we can heal.

Prayer For the Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer p. 815

Pamphlets and Litany of Repentance

Prayers for the Day of Racial Healing

Prayers-for-Day-of-Racial-Healing

View and download the above prayers.

A Covenant to Root Out Racism

2020-Covenant

View and download the above covenant.

View and download the following files

• Customizable MS Word Church Flyer – Photo header
• Customizable MS Word Church flyer – Graphic header (uses less printer toner)

The above resources are also available for download on the Bulletin Inserts and Flyers page.

The Diversity and Reconciliation Commission: The Rt. Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce, Shirley Bolden (Chair), Drew Brown, Melinda Estes, Jeanne Goolsby, Stephanie Hasty, Taryn Todd, Sandy Wallace, the Very Rev. Don Compier, the Rev. Ted Estes, the Rev. Chas Marks, and the Rev. Galen Snodgrass.