Racial Justice

As disciples of Jesus Christ who honor the sacred worth of all people and love our neighbors, The Grove United Methodist Church, through education and action to heal our broken world, is an advocate for racial justice and equity, cultural transformation, and an inclusive community.

  • Growing Goodness through Racial Justice Work

    In the weeks that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 the Core Leadership Team discerned a way forward in beginning the important work of addressing racial injustice. A Racial Justice Steering Committee was commissioned in January of 2021 to lead the first wave of a racial justice initiative for The Grove. Partnering with the Core Team, staff and the Racial Justice Steering Committee the purpose statement was developed and a three-year strategic plan was finalized in December of 2021.

     

    The framework for The Grove’s Racial Justice Strategic Plan was informed by The Mission of the UMC & Spiritual Imperatives of our Annual Conference, The Grove’s Motivating Vision to “Grow Goodness” and the Anti-Racism Work in the Greater United Methodist Church.

             

    Three racial justice action teams have been commissioned and action steps have been identified based on the strategic plan:

    • Congregational Awareness & Resources: Build racial justice awareness through book studies, movie nights, cultural site visits and other congregational experiences. Update available resources.
    • Training Opportunities: Bring workshops and other educational or training opportunities to the congregation.
    • Community Engagement & Partnerships: Engage with ongoing justice initiatives out in the community and partner with other organizations & faith communities to grow goodness through justice & equity work.

  • The Grove's Land Acknowledgement

    The People of The Grove United Methodist Church acknowledge that our church sites are located on the ancestral home of the Wahpekute Dakota people who continue to live on and steward this land as they have for generations.

     

    We acknowledge the history of trauma the Dakota people suffered due to unjust practices by the government of the United States and complicity of North American Christianity including progenitors of the United Methodist Church. This trauma is not just historic, it is also generational and contemporary. These unjust practices are inconsistent with The Grove’s mission to Grow Goodness.


    We acknowledge the sanctity of Dakota heritage, their connection to the land and their unique ability to serve as examples of land stewardship as well as supportive, connected communities.


    The Grove United Methodist Church commits to making connections with Indigenous people and to listen to their stories and learn how we can help address the errors of the past and make a better today and tomorrow for Indigenous people.


    Click here for more information on history, context, and resources.

  • Resources

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    “The Road of Healing” (Resources for the Journey) – based on chapters & chapter titles from “The Racial Healing Handbook” by Anneliese A. Singh

    Click the link above to see what resources are available to checkout from The Grove Justice Library, found at the Woodbury Location in the Gathering Room.

    Social Justice Kids Starter Kit (contains information to share with your kids on what to say to disrupt injustice and recommendations for Antiracist/Anti-bias books for every age and stage)