Anti-Racism Programming 2021

The World Council of Churches has awarded DOTAC a grant from their “Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace” program.  The WCC PJP is focused on North America for 2021.  The programs address racial justice and/or indigenous rights (see link for more detail).

Registration is free.  To register for any of these programs send an email to teddodd@live.com

DOTAC Racial Justice Journey

Working and learning together to be anti-racism advocates and allies. 

Thursday, June 17 and Thursday, July 15 

noon—1:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time

KAIROS Blanket Exercise 

Building understanding about the history of colonialism and its impact on Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada 

Monday, August 9

1pm- 3:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time 

or 6pm- 8:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time

Exploring the Missing Chapter

Raising awareness of the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the United States.

Monday, October 18

1pm- 3:00 pm Central Daylight Time 

or 6pm- 8:00pm Central Daylight Time

Non-Violence Training

Exploring with Christian Peacemaker Teams, the basic tactics for social change and de-escalation skills.

Monday, November 2 Central Daylight Time

Noon—3 p.m.

 

DOTAC ANTI-RACISM JOURNEY

In 2020, 30-40 diaconal siblings gathered three times for emotionally and spiritually powerful learning, prayer, scripture study and discussion about being allies in racial justice. An ecumenical spectrum people attended from throughout the DOTAC region. In 2021, we continued with two Lenten sessions. These sessions were not just an information exchange or book study. Participants were asked to do emotional work and to name places in their context where they can take action.

The co-facilitators offered courageous and thoughtful leadership. 

MARLENE BRITTON is a diaconal minister currently serving the United Church of Canada. She received her theological training in her homeland of Jamaica, after which she was served 4 years in Belize, and 16 years in Barbados and 7 years in Canada. Currently she serves at the General Council Office of the United Church of Canada as the Program co-ordinator for Admission and Pastoral Relations.

DAVID ROJAS MARTINEZ is originally from Cuernavaca, Mexico and was raised Roman Catholic and Evangelical and was consecrated as a Lutheran Deacon in 2018 by the Lutheran Diaconal Association. Currently, David lives in Minneapolis and has been on the forefront of responding in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder. He is also honouring his indigenous ancestry by learning one of the Mayan languages.

DOTAC is hoping that a World Council of Churches Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace grant will help us with the financial costs of this venture.