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A growing library of FILL webinars and other recorded events are available for individual learning or for use in small or other groups settings. These recordings provide conversation on a number of topics and projects of intercultural ministry. Links to additional downloadable documents related to the recordings are provided.
Workshop ideas, content and materials by alumni.
God so loved the people of the World, contains biblical reflections, sermon notes from different Christian traditions, workshop outlines, and guidelines for doing anti-racism workshops, and significant sites across Canada to visit. Although first produced for the observance of Racial Justice Week around March 21 in 2006, this resource can be used for racial justice education and action for any week of any year.
Theological Starting Points for Action. Through this compilation of theological and practical reflections on its experience of doing anti-racism work in the churches, CEARN hopes to share learned wisdom with one and all.
From Chains to Freedom: Journeying Toward Reconciliation contains reflections on the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the British slave trade and offers historical background, worship resources, and suggestions on what is needed for healing and reconciliation
Resources for March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination provides a prayer and hymn for use in local congregations
Mamoh Be-Mo-Tay-Tah – Let us Walk Together
This resource is designed to help Canadians engage with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian Residential Schools and better understand the legacies of colonization that Aboriginal peoples live with today. It includes the essays, testimonies and reflections in this resource are organized around teachings connected to the 4 quadrants of indigenous circles.
Cracking open White identity towards transformation: Canadian Ecumenical Anti-Racism Network Examines White Identity, Power and Privilege This resource zeros in on White privilege as an essential aspect of anti-racism work. Racism is one expression of the White privilege and supremacy that is present in day-to-day interactions and built into systems and church structures. It is impossible to do anti-racism work without examining White identity and the unearned power and privilege that flows from that identity. This resource includes stories, biblical reflections, and workshops.
On the Doctrine of Discovery In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action on the Doctrine of Discovery and Terra Nullius, the Canadian Ecumenical Anti-Racism Network (CEARN) of The Canadian Council of Churches commissioned Dr. Néstor Medina to reflect on the effects of the Doctrine of Discovery in the Americas. Néstor describes his essay as a modest attempt to outline the far-reaching implications of the Doctrine of Discovery for our understanding of history and its impact on today’s global and social contexts.
Truth and Reconciliation and the Doctrine of Discovery: Select Responses of Member Denominations of the Canadian Council of Churches to TRC Call to Action 49 on the Doctrine of Discovery and Terra Nullis The responses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 49 documented in this book mark the beginning of a concerted educational effort; they are the first steps on the long path of reconciliation between the churches and the Indigenous Peoples of this land. While we cannot erase the atrocities committed in the past, we remain committed to recognizing and deconstructing their legacies in our present: to make the genocide in our past unthinkable in our children’s future.
CEARN March 21st resource
This resource suggests a number of resources, including sermon, worship, and action ideas, for faith communities to mark the day and work toward eliminating racism in the church and beyond.
International Decade for People of African Descent Info Sheet Learn more about the decade and ideas to assist churches with recognizing the Decade in their congregations and communities. “This Decade, which spans from 2015 to 2024, is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the important contributions people of African descent have made to Canadian society. It also provides a framework for recognition, justice, and development to fight racism, discrimination, and the ongoing inequalities that Canadians of African descent face,”
International Decade for People of African Descent Conversation CEARN has also supported the work of this ecumenical table at The Canadian Council of Churches in producing webinars and other resources for churches. This work also included an Ecumenical Prayer Service marking Canada’s first National Emancipation Day in 2021.
Resources on “anti-Black racism in Canada” Responding to the Black Lives Matter movement and growing awareness of racism in Canada, CEARN compiled a list of faith based and other resources for churches as they respond to anti-Black Racism.
2021 Emancipation Day Ecumenical Worship / Célébration œcuménique de l’émancipation canadienne To mark the first official recognition of Emancipation Day by the Government of Canada, an ecumenical group created this downloadable video resource to use in local contexts: worship service, prayers, music, and sermon. Emancipation Day marks the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act which came into effect August 1st, 1834, freeing approximately 800,000 enslaved people in British colonies including Canada.
Belonging: How has racism affected your sense of belonging within Christian churches? Beginning in 2022, the CEARN network organized regular on-line gatherings of the wider network and events. This is the video recording of an on-line event and conversation. A moderated panel share their stories followed by conversation and reflection in affinity groups. March 30, 2023
Resources produced by or recommended by the Canadian Council of Churches.
Here are some selected resources for each major theme of intercultural ministry.
Since we embrace the ethical framework of justice and love, which is based on our Christian tradition, anti-racism is a crucial part of intercultural ministry.
How we live and engage with others are profoundly shaped by our own cultural background. Cultural studies can help us to understand better about our own cultural assumptions and the cultural contexts of the others.
To be a welcoming church for all, we should incorporate voices and insights from disability studies to transform our churches and communities that function upon ableism.
Intercultural ministry goes beyond one’s own denomination and seeks for active engagement with people from different Christian traditions.
Right relationship with all of creation is part of our call of a holistic shalom. With our “home” being on fire, we cannot create Beloved community.
Continually seeking for truth and reconciliation with Indigenous People is a crucial task for all Canadians. Hence, intercultural ministry in Canadian context must work in this area.
How does our intercultural lens inform our theology and ecclesiology and vice versa? These resources help us to engage deeper on this topic.
Interfaith is intercultural! Due to the intrinsic relationship between culture and religion, intercultural dialogue is also an interfaith dialogue.
How do we witness our faith and engage in missional work in a non-colonial and respectful ways with those who have different beliefs and culture? These resources aim to answer this pivotal question.
If difference is to be rightly celebrated and embraced in our diverse society, we should examine carefully the power dynamic that exist. As a result, we should deepen our understanding of social justice and find ways to be in solidarity with marginalized communities.
* is used to indicate Canadian resources
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