Our Welcoming Statement
West Linn Lutheran Church is a community of faith that welcomes all regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, national origin, age, disability, medical history, political affiliation, financial situation, mistakes made, successes achieved or any other category that you or the world have determined you belong. Our hope and prayer is that our congregation loves all as Jesus loves the world. No exceptions. This welcome extends throughout the life of our congregation.
West Linn Lutheran Church is a community of faith that welcomes all regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, national origin, age, disability, medical history, political affiliation, financial situation, mistakes made, successes achieved or any other category that you or the world have determined you belong. Our hope and prayer is that our congregation loves all as Jesus loves the world. No exceptions. This welcome extends throughout the life of our congregation.
The congregation participated in the Reconciling in Christ process through 2014 in partnership with ReconcilingWorks Northwest. In 2015 the congregation overwhelmingly supported adoption of the Welcome Statement. WLLC was recognized as an RIC Congregation in 2015. We believe this public statement is our grounding for work that we are called to do in examining ourselves, our community, and our world, and joining others in the efforts for racial and social justice.
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The West Linn Alliance, formed by West Linn residents to address issues of diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility in the city we call home, has already made inroads in effecting change for the better. We are guided by our current strategic plan that shows the path we have taken and where we are headed.
The Alliance holds regular monthly meetings to check in as a group and to share progress on the implementation of activities in our strategic plan. Everyone is welcome to our meetings. We appreciate the diversity of backgrounds, skills, and outlooks that each person brings to the table. Our goals can be met only through the volunteer efforts of West Linners like yourself who take on important tasks that will move us forward. So come to a meeting and find out how you can make a difference in the life of our community. Go to https://westlinnalliance.org for more information and to learn how to get involved. MSNBC
“Civil War” Official Trailer From executive producers Brad Pitt and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. comes “Civil War,” a documentary about the roots of division in the United States. The film offers an intimate look at how race, heritage, tradition and geography shape our beliefs and the different ways Americans portray the story of our civil war - as well as the stories we refuse to tell. You can watch the documentary on MSNBC or on the Peacock streaming service. 
Readings for ListenActPray
"Reimagine Oregon Issues Equity Demands, Gains Legislative Support" , The Skanner, August 6, 2020 Reimagine Oregon Website "Blacks in Oregon", essay in The Oregon Encyclopedia, Oregon Historical Society "Why Aren't There More Black People in Oregon?
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The Asian and Pacific Islander Association of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has issued a statement addressing the increase in violence directed toward Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The ELCA Conference of Bishops affirmed the statement during their virtual meeting:
"The COVID-related surge in anti-Asian violence is physically and spiritually assaulting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. This violence re-emerged from America's historical and pervasive sin of racism. Asian American and Pacific Islander children and adults are facing assaults with racial slurs, bullying, spitting, physical injury, and even death. These are not new in communities where Peoples of Color live. These violent acts of racism have and are happening in cities and towns across the United States. The virus of racism cannot be allowed to run rampant. "We the Association of Asians and Pacific Islanders-ELCA call on our church to once again unequivocally denounce racism by taking immediate actions to defend, protect, and uphold the safety and lives of Asian Americans. 1 Corinthians 12 tells us that we are one body with many members. This member of the body is suffering. Let us bear this suffering together as one body. "We call on our church: + to model the example of Jesus whose compassion was made visible by acts of love, culminating in embracing bodily harm to save us; + to undergird and measurably advance its fight against racism and apathy, in all expressions of the church; + to model how to tap into Jesus's deep empathy as our collective power to stand against violence and promote the way of Jesus instead; to urge, facilitate, and invite all people in the ELCA's sphere of influence, both within the church and beyond it, to unite in this crucial battle; + to declare a Sunday during this Lenten season to lament in order to express solidarity, help in healing, and support the victims of violence against Asian Americans; + to show how the ELCA will oppose racism, its death-dealing manifestations, and proclaim ways to move forward as a church and society where all God's people of color can be free to build a world of true peace, equality, justice, and kindness with others." I think one of our responsibilities right now as white folks is to talk to our loved ones who don't understand, or who are confused about what's happening and why. We tend to be conditioned to stay polite and smooth over conflict. But if we have strong relationships with loved ones who don't understand the need for racial justice, those are powerful paths of communication we have a responsibility to use. Caveat, always: if we are safe to do so." Participant, Call to Prayer & Action, June 1. 2020 Poetry of Color
Tara Shepersky hosted "Poetry of Color" - a time for meditation on a poem by a poet of color (July 8, 2020). Those who wanted to also shared personal action plans or goals that the group could support them in pursuing. The poem is "The Bronze Legacy" by Effie Lee Newsome. The Bronze Legacy --To a brown boy ’Tis a noble gift to be brown, all brown, Like the strongest things that make up this earth, Like the mountains grave and grand, Even like the very land, Even like the trunks of trees-- Even oaks, to be like these! God builds His strength in bronze. To be brown like thrush and lark! Like the subtle wren so dark! Nay, the king of beasts wears brown; Eagles are of this same hue. I thank God, then, I am brown. Brown has mighty things to do. For reflection: 1) What is the strongest—or the most powerful—emotion you experienced on reading the poem aloud, or on hearing it read? 2) Read the poem a second time, and this time imagine yourself somewhere in it. Maybe you're in a particular image; maybe the words or the sounds are taking you into a memory or an idea. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, feel? 3) Does this poem have a call for you? What is it calling you to do or be? | ||
Relationships
Respond to Racism: a neighborhood effort to interrupt racism in Lake Oswego, OR
West Linn Alliance for Inclusive Community: celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion
Going Home II: assisting inmates with a successful return to their communities (Michael Fesser, president)
"Black Girl in Suburbia" documentary by Melissa Lowery about West Linn
West Linn Alliance for Inclusive Community: celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion
Going Home II: assisting inmates with a successful return to their communities (Michael Fesser, president)
"Black Girl in Suburbia" documentary by Melissa Lowery about West Linn
Resources
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - Racial Justice Resources
Oregon Synod ELCA - 2020 Resolution on the Study of Reparations in the Oregon Synod Work being done by synod members to "prepare a preliminary report to include the naming of the history of Oregon Lutherans and the genealogy of our lands and collectives, the needs of impacted communities throughout the state, and actions that will lead to deeper repair and reconciliation". Report to come to the 2021 Assembly.
"Unpacking White Privilege: The Important work of making the church less harmful" by Yolanda Denson-Byers & Shari Seifert, Living Lutheran January 2020; article plus study guide
"Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent", June 27, 2019; Explanation of the Declaration with study materials
"Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity in the ELCA" adopted by Churchwide Assembly on August 9, 2019
ELCA Anti-Racism Pledge: “I commit to study, prayer and action to become an anti-racist individual in an anti-racist church.” Follow the link to sign the pledge and to find more steps to help you live out that pledge in community with others. #ELCA4Justice
ELCA Statement on Anti-Asian Racism: The Asian and Pacific Islander Association of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has issued a statement addressing the increase in violence directed toward Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It was adopted by the ELCA Conference of Bishops.
Oregon Synod ELCA - 2020 Resolution on the Study of Reparations in the Oregon Synod Work being done by synod members to "prepare a preliminary report to include the naming of the history of Oregon Lutherans and the genealogy of our lands and collectives, the needs of impacted communities throughout the state, and actions that will lead to deeper repair and reconciliation". Report to come to the 2021 Assembly.
"Unpacking White Privilege: The Important work of making the church less harmful" by Yolanda Denson-Byers & Shari Seifert, Living Lutheran January 2020; article plus study guide
"Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent", June 27, 2019; Explanation of the Declaration with study materials
"Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity in the ELCA" adopted by Churchwide Assembly on August 9, 2019
ELCA Anti-Racism Pledge: “I commit to study, prayer and action to become an anti-racist individual in an anti-racist church.” Follow the link to sign the pledge and to find more steps to help you live out that pledge in community with others. #ELCA4Justice
ELCA Statement on Anti-Asian Racism: The Asian and Pacific Islander Association of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has issued a statement addressing the increase in violence directed toward Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It was adopted by the ELCA Conference of Bishops.
Oregon Specific Resources
The Reimagine Oregon Project is a newly-formed group of Black-led organizations, community activists, and protest organizers who developed a two-year plan to begin dismantling systemic racism in Oregon. Learn details in all the policy areas they are addressing and working with key Oregon leaders and groups.
"Reimagine Oregon Issues Equity Demands, Gains Legislative Support" , The Skanner, August 6, 2020
"History of Racism in Oregon" page created by the ELCA Oregon Synod includes a list of key points about the history of racism in Oregon, links to 4 videos, articles that can be downloaded, a timeline, and links to two podcasts.
Black Resilience Fund is an emergency fund dedicated to healing and resilience by providing immediate resources to Black Portlanders. See video telling the story of the Black Resilience Fund.
"Blacks in Oregon", essay in The Oregon Encyclopedia, Oregon Historical Society
The Reimagine Oregon Project is a newly-formed group of Black-led organizations, community activists, and protest organizers who developed a two-year plan to begin dismantling systemic racism in Oregon. Learn details in all the policy areas they are addressing and working with key Oregon leaders and groups.
"Reimagine Oregon Issues Equity Demands, Gains Legislative Support" , The Skanner, August 6, 2020
"History of Racism in Oregon" page created by the ELCA Oregon Synod includes a list of key points about the history of racism in Oregon, links to 4 videos, articles that can be downloaded, a timeline, and links to two podcasts.
Black Resilience Fund is an emergency fund dedicated to healing and resilience by providing immediate resources to Black Portlanders. See video telling the story of the Black Resilience Fund.
"Blacks in Oregon", essay in The Oregon Encyclopedia, Oregon Historical Society
"9 Podcasts That Don't Whitewash Race", Yes! Magazine
All My Relations; The Nod; The Stoop; Identity Politics; Maeve in America; Latinos Who Lunch; Long Distance Radio: Stories from the Filipino Diaspora; Self-Evident: Asian America's Stories; See Something, Say Something
All My Relations; The Nod; The Stoop; Identity Politics; Maeve in America; Latinos Who Lunch; Long Distance Radio: Stories from the Filipino Diaspora; Self-Evident: Asian America's Stories; See Something, Say Something
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Anti-Racism Daily A daily on-line newsletter, Nicole Cardoza, Editor in Chief. "Each day, we offer an overview on current events and apply an anti-racism lens. Learn how practices embedded in our politics, criminal justice system, and workplaces enforce systemic oppression – and what you can do about it." Features include "Take Action" and "Get Educated". Suscribe to get a daily email.
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Storyline Community in Milwaukie, Oregon, offers a well-curated site of resources including anti-racism books, podcasts, videos, training; resources for conversations with children; black-0wned business links; fiction recommendations for all ages; spiritual resources; social media links; and connections for taking action.
Classes
Racism: History, Complicity, and the Whitest Denomination in the US
Class taught by Pastor Dianne Eller at West Linn Lutheran Church in 2019. The class used the book , The Color of Compromise (see below). The class handouts are in the download file and include a review of the history of racism and the history of the church in the USA.
Class taught by Pastor Dianne Eller at West Linn Lutheran Church in 2019. The class used the book , The Color of Compromise (see below). The class handouts are in the download file and include a review of the history of racism and the history of the church in the USA.
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Short Course: “Unpacking White Privilege”
This 3-session short course in the summer of 2020 focused on understanding white privilege and “the important work of making the church less harmful”. It drew from the article by that title in Living Lutheran January 2020. Discussion was facilitated by Pastor Donna Herzfeldt-Kamprath.
This 3-session short course in the summer of 2020 focused on understanding white privilege and “the important work of making the church less harmful”. It drew from the article by that title in Living Lutheran January 2020. Discussion was facilitated by Pastor Donna Herzfeldt-Kamprath.
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July 12, 2020 SLIDE SHOW
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July 19, 2020 SLIDE SHOW
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August 2, 2020 SLIDE SHOW
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Videos
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The ELCA's own Rev. Lenny Duncan was interviewed on NPR speaking about the role of the white church in dismantling white supremacy. His words and ideas might be difficult for white Christians to hear. However, in order to listen to the minority voices within our communities (and the ELCA is an overwhelmingly white community), we must be willing to feel the discomfort of being challenged. Click here to read.
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LaVeeta Gilmore Jones, ELCA leader at Salt and Light Lutheran Church/Leaven Community gives a sermon on June 14th sharing her experience of growing up Christian and black in Portland.
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"I Just Wanna Live" and "The Same (Decoded)" were shared at the first Call to Prayer & Action Prayer Vigil
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"What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"
In this short film, five young descendants of Frederick Douglass read and respond to excerpts of his famous speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" which asks all Americans to consider the country's long history of denying equal rights to Black people. A text version of the full speech is available here. |
Black Resilience Fund story
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Commemoration of Emmanual 9 Prayer Service, June 17, 2020, Creator Lutheran Church
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Anti-Racist Reading List
A list of nonfiction books to help examine anti-Black racism and the fight for antiracism in The United States. This is from a website powered by Bookshop. Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. "We believe that bookstores are essential to a healthy culture. They’re where authors can connect with readers, where we discover new writers, where children get hooked on the thrill of reading that can last a lifetime. They’re also anchors for our downtowns and communities. As more and more people buy their books online, we wanted to create an easy, convenient way for you to get your books and support bookstores at the same time. ... By design, we give away over 75% of our profit margin to stores, publications, authors and others who make up the thriving, inspirational culture around books! We hope that Bookshop can help strengthen the fragile ecosystem and margins around bookselling and keep local bookstores an integral part of our culture and communities." |
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