An Introduction to the History and Work of FGC’s Committee for Ministry on Racism
By Vanessa Julye and Janice Domanik
The Committee for Ministry on Racism (CMR) was formed by Friends General Conference’s Central Committee in November 2000. The Committee envisions a Religious Society of Friends transformed into a beloved community that is enriched by its diversity. To accomplish this, CMR offers assistance and support to monthly and yearly meetings as they develop their racial and ethnic awareness, increase their diversity, and strive to address the impact of the institution of racism on our Society.
The Committee for Ministry on Racism networks with Friends and meetings doing work and witnessing about racism and racial diversity. It provides opportunities at the annual FGC Gathering for individuals who are working for racial diversity and challenging racism to gather together for mutual support and sharing. In addition, it supports the People of Color Center and hosts meetings for worship for racial healing. CMR also supports individuals traveling in the ministry with a concern for racism.
CMR plans and holds events to provide opportunities for learning, training, sharing, community building and worshipping together around the issues arising from the impact of racism. The committee identifies and promotes resources that will assist those doing this work. We are in the process of developing short and long workshops to be offered by its members at monthly and yearly meetings.
The Committee for Ministry on Racism is working with Quaker Press of FGC to support meetings in their use of the forthcoming book Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship: Quakers, African Americans and the Myth of Racial Justice by Vanessa Julye and Donna McDaniel. Members of the Committee and other Friends will be trained to facilitate discussions on the book using a companion study guide.
CMR is also planning an exciting event for the spring. April 25–27, 2008, CMR is sponsoring a consultation for Friends of Color and their families in the Midwest, to be held in the Detroit, Michigan area. We plan to spend the weekend getting to know each other, exploring our Faith together, as well as identifying and sharing ways to support each other. We will have intergenerational activities exploring parts of the Underground Railroad. We would like to invite all Friends of Color and their families who live in the Midwest to join us, including parents of children of Color (be they white or a person of Color themselves), spouses and partners, etc. We welcome multiracial families. Please contact Vanessa Julye, CMR Coordinator for further information at vane..reveal email..@fgcquaker.org.
The Committee for Ministry on Racism also plans to revise its website in the late spring 2008.
Janice Domanik and Vanessa JulyeJanice Domanik is a member of Lake Forest Friends Meeting, Illinois Yearly Meeting and the clerk of the Committee for Ministry on Racism. Vanessa Julye is a member of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and the coordinator for the Committee for Ministry on Racism.
