TRANFORMING HEARTS THROUGH "SACRED GROUND"
Earlier this year, seven members of our Racial Justice and Healing ministry spent twelve weeks participating in "Sacred Ground: a Film Based Series on Race and Faith," developed by the Episcopal Church.
Sacred Ground is a sensitive, prayerful resource that creates space for difficult but respectful and transformative dialogue on race and racism. It invites participants to walk back through history in order to peel away the layers that brought us to today, reflecting on family histories and stories, as well as important narratives that shape the collective American story. It holds as a guiding star the vision of the beloved community—where all people are honored and protected and nurtured as beloved children of God, where we weep at one another's pain and seek one another's flourishing.
This was truly a transformative experience for our members. Here are some reflections on their experience:
"Sacred Ground allowed me to better learn the scope and breadth of the racism people of color have experienced are experiencing in our country. The discussions we had about the subject were lively and illuminating. Sacred Ground was a valuable experience."
-Richard Tullie.
"I have been committed to racial justice and healing since I was in high school and pursued this interest through educational pursuits and professional development until now as a retiree. Before Sacred Ground, I didn't know what I didn't know. Now, I feel and think that the Sacred Ground curriculum and dialogue circle experience has enlightened me and rounded out my knowledge. I am truly grateful for this wonderful learning experience about the true American history and how being engaged as a member of the Beloved Community of the Episcopal Church, can be transformational."
-Cheryl Fells.
"Sacred Ground helped me understand the far reaching consequences of individual, institutional, societal, cultural and generational racism.
I didn’t know what I didn’t know, and ignorance impairs understanding, justice and healing."
-Betsy Wenzel.
"Because I was raised in the southern part of our country and lived through the Civil Rights era plus supporting progressive organizations regarding race relations, I assumed I had a deep understanding of myself regarding prejudices. After taking the Sacred Ground program, I realized that my grasp of the pervasiveness of institutional and personal racism was only partial, and I had more emotional and spiritual work to do."
-Bill Brockman.
"The richness of the Sacred Ground experience was anchored by the faithful, abiding presence and attention of my fellow group members, and our heartfelt engagement with one another and with the abundance of excellent course material. This was a transformative pilgrimage for me, as it can be for anyone who undertakes it."
-Anita Sherman.
Sacred Ground is an eye-opening history lesson, heartbreaking at times, however the program renewed my desire to continue to work to create an inclusive community within St. Gregory’s. Paula Behul.
"Sacred Ground definitely had a strong transformational impact on my knowledge, attitudes and emotions. It taught me the most loving thing a person, or a group of people, can do for another is to examine the ways in which your own insecurities and assumptions interfere with others’ ability to thrive, grow and prosper."
-Bill Lintz.
I invite you to consider joining me in our next "Sacred Ground Circle in 2024.
-Andrew Sherman+
SACRED GROUND DIALOGUE SERIES
Informative Discussion - Sunday, November 12
Join us on Sunday, November 12th following the 10:00 AM service for an interactive discussion on the Sacred Ground Dialogue Series. Information about the program to inspire participation in the series will be hosted by the Racial Justice and Healing Ministry. Refreshments will be served.