Setting Sanctuary

Talking about race and racism can be uncomfortable. It can be difficult to find and use the right kinds of words to speak about race and racism. When we gather to talk about race and racism, we are gathered because we know that we must engage this conversation about racism, about white supremacy not just for the sake of ourselves but for the sake of our neighbors, those we call strangers and for the sake of the world which God loves.

Sanctuary is so often a term relegated to houses of worship as a tangible space containing pews, pulpit, paraments, font, and table. In our meetings, in groups large, small, virtual, and in-person, we may create sanctuary. We create sanctuary, not by the procurement of physical implements but by establishing an open and defined space of covenant. Sanctuary means freedom to be, to share, to learn. The following rules are offered to guide us in discussion and common life together. Other rules may be added for the sake of any particular group.

· Don’t be afraid of awkward silence

· Assume good intent

· We are all teachers and learners

· Use ‘I’ statements when speaking about your experience of yourself and the world

· Avoid generalizations

· Be mindful of the content and frequency of your speech

· Apologize if you have made a mistake

· Hold yourself and others accountable

· Keep confidence with this community (It may be helpful to share experiences and insights from this

group with others, it is unnecessary and a breach of trust to share names or other identifying information.)

· Remember that discomfort is not danger

"We exist to Disrupt, Discredit, and Dismantle Racism."