In 2008 the United Church of Chapel Hill established a new Economic Justice Covenant. This written covenant was preceded by many discussion, lectures, readings, and workshops about how a congregation might work towards being a better witness to the faith in Jesus. The work is just beginning to learn where this might take us.

As witnesses to the grace of God in all of creation, we strive to answer Jesus’ call to work for a world where both mercy and justice prevail, and all share in God’s abundance. Therefore, we, the congregation of the United Church of Chapel Hill, covenant with God and with one another to:

• Continue providing service and care for brothers and sisters in need.
• Educate ourselves on the root causes of poverty.
• Seek long-term ways of empowering the poor in our community.
• Stand against injustices that cause and perpetuate need.
• Strive for economic justice in all policies and activities associated with our church.
• Encourage and support one another in our own stewardship of God’s earth and its bounty.
• Unite with other organizations to address poverty and injustice in the world.

In 2009, General Synod of the UCC voted to approve An Economic Justice Covenant - A Resolution of Witness.

Anti-Racism Workshops

A Time for Action: Learn to be an Effective Anti-Racist

Racism is the original sin of this nation. It functions as a demonic force with devastating consequences. The justice ground we claimed yesterday is slowly slipping away. What we struggled for, fought for, died for, prayed for, sang for, and preached for must be secured today. Nothing can remain static. Unless we find a way to move forward, it is inevitable that we will go backward.

This is the time that requires us to step outside of long-established routines, and search for the daring imagination that will lead to the dismantling of racism.

  -Yvonne Delk, the first African-American woman to be ordained in the United Church of Christ 

Sponsored by the Collaborative Committee Against Racism (made up of members of United Church and Fisher Memorial and the United Voices of Praise)

Race remains an important indicator of success in US society. When other factors that are cited as the probable reasons for health or social problems (e.g., income, education, parent involvement, access to health insurance) are controlled for in statistical analyses, race remains an important independent predictor of health, social, education, criminal justice and other outcomes.

The Anti-Racism training, delivered by the Racial Equity Institute, LL,C is designed to build the capacity of educators, health practitioners, child welfare advocates, judicial representatives, other professionals and others who are interested in understanding and eliminating racial inequities, disparities and disproportionality within our society. These workshops are important for people of color and white people who want to dismantle racism. It has often been said, “An organized truth is more powerful than a disorganized lie.” These workshops provide an analysis that helps participants gain clarity about how racism is well-organized and at work in our institutional practices.

For more information on the workshops and trainers, click here.