“We are called to play the Good Sarmatian on life’s roadside, but that will only be an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life’s highway” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Healing Together for Racial Reconciliation
At the Good Neighbors Racial Healing Initiative (GNRHI), we recognize that racial trauma is deeply rooted in systemic inequities that shape urban communities. Our Justice and Racial Shalom Urban Community Work is a developing area of ministry focused on addressing these challenges by bringing healing and restoration to communities affected by systemic racism. Through faith-driven advocacy, collaboration, and holistic engagement, we seek to discern and embody Christ’s vision of justice and Shalom in urban spaces.
Our Vision for Urban Community Work
As this ministry continues to take shape, our mission remains centered on creating spaces where communities can flourish and racial trauma can be healed by addressing the systemic injustices that perpetuate division and harm. Rooted in the transformative principles of the Good Neighbors Racial Healing Journey, we aim to explore ways in which the church can grow as an agent of justice and restoration in urban spaces.
Emerging Areas of Focus
1. Truth-Telling and Community Acknowledgment
- Uncovering History: Explore ways to facilitate community and church-based truth-telling sessions that examine the impact of systemic racism on urban neighborhoods.
- Elevating Voices: Develop platforms for residents to share their experiences of inequity and resilience, fostering mutual understanding and empathy.
2. Building Equity Through Advocacy
- Policy Reform: Engage churches and community groups in learning how to advocate for equitable policies addressing housing segregation, food insecurity, and economic disparities.
- Collaborative Action: Partner with local organizations to amplify efforts in addressing systemic injustices and supporting underserved communities.
3. Healing Racial Trauma Through Community Engagement
- Racial Healing Circles: Experiment with storytelling and restorative practices that build trust, connection, and healing among diverse groups.
- Counseling and Care: Develop avenues for pastoral care and trauma-informed support for individuals impacted by systemic racism.
4. Transforming Urban Spaces into Sacred Ground
- Community Gardening Projects: Explore opportunities to establish spaces where residents can reclaim dignity through stewardship of the land, addressing food insecurity and environmental injustice.
- Holistic Restoration: Consider ways to utilize community gardens as sites for embodied healing practices, symbolizing the restoration of Shalom in urban areas.
Why Justice and Racial Shalom Matter
Justice and Shalom are not just aspirations—they are necessities. Inaction in the face of systemic racism perpetuates real physical trauma, disproportionately impacting Black and Brown bodies. The legacy of racial injustice manifests in chronic stress, health disparities, and the ongoing toll of systemic violence.
As the body of Christ, we are called to act. Scripture compels us to advocate for justice and to be peacemakers, not just for the sake of moral alignment but for the physical and spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters. Silence is complicity. By engaging in urban community work, we actively resist this harm and seek to embody God’s call to love our neighbors through action, accountability, and restoration.
Join the Journey
As this area of ministry continues to develop, we invite you to discern with us, participate in conversations, and help shape the work ahead. Whether through advocacy, urban community projects, or participation in the Good Neighbors Racial Healing Journey, your involvement can help shape a future of healing and hope.
Connect with Us
To learn more about how you or your church can join us in developing this work of restoring urban communities and building racial Shalom, contact us today. Together, we can embody the love and justice of Christ and grow into a future of transformation.