a brief history
Antiracism work in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod began with the formation of the ELCA in 1988. Early in the formation there was a tension with the reality of a predominantly white church in a diverse and multicultural world.
This tension and the consequent desire to be multicultural are reflected in the church’s founding documents. The ELCA has as one of its principles of organization:
“At least 10% of the members of assemblies, council, committees, boards or other organizational units shall be persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English.” ELCA Constitution
Initial antiracism work in this synod commenced under the auspices of the Multicultural Committee and the ELCA Commission for Multicultural Ministries with the formation, in 1990, of the first antiracism team (Uproot & Build). Upon completion of training, held jointly with the Nebraska and Central States Synods, the MCS Uproot & Build Antiracism Team began its work. Uproot & Build focused on facilitating congregational workshops as well as facilitating the training of the synod council and staff. Unfortunately, after approximately three years of activity, attrition began to take its toll and eventually the team ceased to exist.
ONE MORE TIME, NOT LIKE THE LAST TIME
In 1996, a second antiracism team was formed. This team was created in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese and the other 2 ELCA synods in Illinois under the title, ILEAP (Illinois Lutheran Episcopal Antiracism Project). The work of this second team consisted of workshops, conferences, facilitating the training of the new bishop and staff, getting financial support from the synodical budget, developing a twenty-year plan and organizing to effect institutional change in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod.
A key element of the twenty-year plan was the continual expansion of the Synod Antiracism Team. Once again, after several years of activity, the team ceased operations due to attrition brought about by the loss of team members through transferring to different synods, death and illness.
IF AT FIRST — OR SECOND — YOU DON’T SUCCEED. . .
Having failed twice to establish a successful, thriving and ongoing antiracism ministry and due in large part to the concern and passion of Bishop Landhal for an antiracist church the synod embarked upon a third attempt. A comprehensive reorganization of the synod’s antiracism strategy was begun in 2001 with the establishment of the MCS Antiracism Planning and Design Task Force.
The MCS Antiracism Planning and Design Task Force was commissioned with the express purpose of studying the long history of this ministry within our synod, identifying the root causes for the short lifespan of the previous efforts and the design and implementation of a revised process for the formation of an antiracism ministry. Upon completion of a two year process of discernment recruitment began and, after 18 months of training, a third synodical antiracism team was commissioned in 2004.
SO HOW ARE WE DOING?
Today, the team is thriving and, having recently expanded, now numbers 20+ active members. Additionally, a network of trained allies is being developed as part of the grassroots efforts that are an essential part of our strategic plan. Hundreds of people have participated in one our workshops and plans are in the works to expand our efforts to provide a basic understanding of racism to everyone in this synod.
