Practicing Faith: Fighting Racism

Sharing the stories of how MPLC folks practice their faith

By Linda Lehrmann

"How to Fight Racism" by Jemar Tisby—A Book Study

It is easy for me to “talk the talk”, but much more difficult for me to “walk the walk”. What would Jesus want me to do? What is required of me as a Christian? These questions are discomforting. So when the opportunity to co-lead a book study on racism presented itself, I had some trepidation. Racism is a highly charged topic. Would anyone even sign up?

No need to worry! Twelve to fifteen members of our congregation attended regularly for ten weeks to begin a personal journey toward racial justice. They gave up Monday evenings to tackle a problem that is more relevant today than it has been since the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. When the topic became overwhelming, we were always reminding each other we are “planting seeds” and “opening doors”. Or, as someone in our group said, “Remember that an elephant can not be eaten in a single bite. It takes many small ones.”

I received much more than I gave to this study group. I felt a tremendous sense of community and fellowship. The Holy Spirit was clearly with us. Each week brought surprise and amazement at the openness of group members and the constant flow of ideas. Group members generated opportunities to learn outside the group. Some of us attended a prayer vigil. We listened to a James Baldwin interview. We heard a powerful personal story of reconciliation. We plan to visit Christian Faith Fellowship Church. We are sharing a meal together at a minority owned business. The opportunities keep presenting themselves!

Faith without action is just words (James 2:17). “Just because you are in the garage, doesn’t make you a car,” a group member said. As a congregation we do a number of activities including Open Table, Community Meal, Little Free Food Pantry, support of Neighborhood Camps, and support of Holy Communion Food Pantry. What is our commitment when the group ends? Can we add to what is already being done and specifically target racial justice? We have generated many ideas, all the way from individual efforts, to more systemic ideas like participating in voter registration. Who knows where this may lead us! Some may simply be more aware of the challenges the marginalized face and go no further. Others may become more active in addressing some of the inequalities. For sure, all of us will be able to greet each other by name and have meaningful conversations together. This is a worthy outcome, all on its own.

I learned there is a lot of interest in learning more about the plight of the marginalized in our community. I am encouraged to get more involved because I know there are others who will be right there beside me, holding me up. Alone we can accomplish little, but together we can work to make a difference. And we are called by Christ to do this.

Linda and Donna Braaten finished the book study on November 17, but welcome connecting with others at MPLC who are interested in the work of combating racism. Please reach out to them!