Participant Guide

faithprejudice

&

Racial injustice isn't new in this country. It is laced throughout the DNA of our nationbecause it lives in the foundation of its formation. But, on May 25, 2020, an awakeningtook place. Americans of all races and ages watched in horror as George Floyd wasmurdered by police officers as he yelled "I can't breathe" and begged for his mother.

Unlike the many similar incidents before him, however, white Christians joined voiceswith black Christians and said "enough is enough." With more self-identified Christiansin America than voters of either party, dismantling racism in in this country must startin the Church with the full participation and advocacy of white people of faith. Togetherwe will catalyze a change movement that will confront the spirit of racism in America anddismantle it at the root.

In Solidarity,

Conversations about race in America oftendeteriorate into the ideological corners ofpolitics. But, right now, 30% of Americansidentify as Republican, 31% of Americansidentify as Democrat... and 65% of Americansidentify as Christian. More Americans identifyas Christian than both major political partiescombined.

What would happen if, instead of retreating topolitical corners, Christians united togetherunder the name of Jesus and determined toconfront and dismantle the spirit of racism inAmerica, once and for all? This is why Ilaunched the Faith & Prejudice Movement.Racism's time is up!

Time to heal our land.

Nona Jonesauthor | pastor | speaker

Nona Jones, FounderFaith & Prejudice

Faith & Prejudice exists to harness the collective spiritual and natural power of Christians inAmerica to channel it in the direction of confronting and dismantling the spirit of racism inAmerica once and for all. Our catalyst event will be held July 6th-12th, 2020 when we will host afive-part Facebook Live series exploring the intricacies of race in America, followed by a NationalWeekend of Action premised on the three pillars of prayer, repentance/forgiveness andmobilization. You can watch the series on the @faithandprejudice Facebook Page or the FacebookPages of any of our Partners listed at FaithAndPrejudice.com

Faith & Prejudice Overview

Monday, July 6th, Race & America Tuesday, July 7th, Race & the Church

Wednesday, July 8th, Criminal Injustice Thursday, July 9th, Economics of Race

Friday, July 10th, The Dream of America Saturday & Sunday, July 11th-12thNational Weekend of Action

Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner

AmbassadorAndrew Young

Dr. Tony Evans Pastor JohnJenkins

Latasha Morrison

Bryan Stevenson Karol Mason Richard Rothstein

Dr. Bernice King Pastor MilesMcPherson

What did you hear tonight that challenged your understanding of racism in America?After listening to tonight's speakers, what aspects of the civil rights movement wereaccomplished through the civil rights and voting rights acts and what aspects of thecivil rights movement remain to be accomplished?The black Church led almost all aspects of the civil rights movement, often apart fromthe support of the white Church. What role should the white Church play in today'sstruggle for racial justice?Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "in the end, we won't remember the words of ourenemies, but the silence of our friends." In what ways have you been silent on issues ofinjustice in the black community and why?Some have said that systemic racism is not real. After tonight's discussion, to youagree? Why or why not?What levers or tools are within your control to help advance justice for black people? Based on this discussion, what is one step you are going to take to confront and dismantleracism in your community?

The first segment of Faith & Prejudice features conversations with Ambassador AndrewYoung and Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner exploring the origins of racism, the civil rightsmovement, and the importance of engaging in social justice work as individualscommitted to advancing equity for people of color. For this discussion, meet with yoursmall group and talk through the following questions by taking turns asking each otherand listening to the answers. This is not the time for giving advice but, instead, foroffering support, affirmation and understanding:

1.2.

3.

4.

5.

6.7.

race & America:discussion guide

Suggested Reading:The Half Has Never Been Told

by Edward Baptist

What did you hear tonight that challenged your understanding of racism in thechurch?After listening to tonight's speakers, how do you view racism in light of the gospel ofJesus Christ?What role can and should white pastors and church leaders play in creating racialequity in the Church?Do you believe it is possible to love Jesus and also denounce the existence of systemicracism? Why or why not?Does your church reflect racial diversity in its membership? Leadership? Staff?Outreach programs? Invited speakers/guests? If so, how has it achieved this? If not,why hasn't it achieved this?What more can your church so to confront and dismantle racism within its own walls? Based on this discussion, what is one step you are going to take to confront and dismantleracism in your church?

The second segment of Faith & Prejudice features conversations with Dr. Tony Evans,Pastor John Jenkins and Tasha Morrison exploring the intersections of faith, race andministry. For this discussion, meet with your small group and talk through the followingquestions by taking turns asking each other and listening to the answers. This is not thetime for giving advice but, instead, for offering support, affirmation and understanding:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.7.

race & the Church:discussion guide

Suggested Reading:Be the Bridge

Tasha Morrison

What did you hear tonight that challenged your understanding of racism in thecriminal and juvenile justice system?After listening to tonight's speakers, how do you view the criminal and juvenile justicesystem with regard to black and brown people?HONEST MOMENT: Prior to this conversation, did you believe black people wereoverrepresented in the criminal and juvenile justice system because they deserved tobe? Why or why not?Have you or your children ever broken a rule in school or broken the law and weregiven a pass or a slap on the wrist? How did that make you feel?With the majority of incarceration being at the local level, what do you believe shouldbe done locally to ensure justice is truly carried out without racial bias?Would you be willing to become a mentor for black and brown children in yourcommunity? Why or why not? Based on this discussion, what is one step you are going to take to confront and dismantleracism in your local criminal and juvenile justice system?

The third segment of Faith & Prejudice features conversations with Karol Mason andBryan Stevenson exploring racism in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. For thisdiscussion, meet with your small group and talk through the following questions bytaking turns asking each other and listening to the answers. This is not the time forgiving advice but, instead, for offering support, affirmation and understanding:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

criminal Injustice:discussion guide

Suggested Reading:Just Mercy

Bryan Stevenson

What did you hear tonight that challenged your understanding of the history ofsegregation in America?After listening to tonight's speaker, how do you view the current economic disparitybetween the white community and black community?HONEST MOMENT: Prior to this conversation, did you believe black people werepoorer than white people because they didn't work as hard or weren't as savvy withtheir money? Why or why not?Is there a clear "white" and "black" side of town in your city? If so, why do you thinkthat is after listening to the speaker?How far back in your family's history can you trace homeownership, employmentand/or entrepreneurship? Do you believe that advanced you and your family? Why orwhy not?How should this country address the economic inequities of the black community and,if needed, what would you be willing to give up to address it? Based on this discussion, what is one step you are going to take to confront and dismantleeconomic inequity due to race in your community?

The fourth segment of Faith & Prejudice features a conversation with RichardRothstein exploring the intersection of economics and race. For this discussion, meetwith your small group and talk through the following questions by taking turns askingeach other and listening to the answers. This is not the time for giving advice but,instead, for offering support, affirmation and understanding:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

economics of race:discussion guide

Suggested Reading:Color of Law

Richard Rothstein

What did you hear tonight that challenged you to consider your role in creating anequitable future for black people?What did you learn about the mission of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that resonates withthis current moment in time?Although the white Church has historically not been visible in the struggle for racialjustice, what role should it now play and who are the voices most needed during thistime?What would America be like if it truly reflected the love of God?What role do you believe youth activists can and should play in advancing racial equityin America?When you think of the future leaders of this country, what qualities do you hope theywill have and how can you ensure those qualities are built into your children or thechildren in your life?Beyond speeches, what can activism look like?Based on this discussion, what is one step you are going to take to confront and dismantleracism so that your hope and dream of America comes true?

The final segment of Faith & Prejudice features a conversation with Dr. Bernice King andthe Faith & Prejudice GenNOW Activists exploring the power and potential of people offaith mobilized for racial justice. For this discussion, meet with your small group and talkthrough the following questions by taking turns asking each other and listening to theanswers. This is not the time for giving advice but, instead, for offering support,affirmation and understanding:

1.

2.

3.

4.5.

6.

7.8.

the dream of America:discussion guide

Suggested Reading:Where Do We Go From Here?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This weekend is intended to provide a time of collective prayer, repentance, forgivenessand mobilization. Below you will find several resources to help you and we encourageyou to engage in this weekend with your church or another group of people who arecommitted to being the change we wish to see in the world.

PRAYERGod we repent and ask for your mercy.

Mercy for the sin of racism and the ways we have acted out of bias rather than love.Jesus we look to you for divine solutions.

Show us how to love our fellow man.How to listen. How to lament. How to get and stay involved.

Break out hearts for what breaks yours.You state that blessed are the peacemakers for they will inherit the earth.

Give us wisdom today and in the days to come- that we will carry out your justice on theearth and see the Church rise up with a holy indignation that

confronts and dismantles racism once and for all.

As an important next step, take time to seek God for understanding of areas of your heartthat have been governed by racism so that you can repent from the beliefs that createdthe behaviors that have propped up racism in America. These beliefs could be as subtleas dismissing the hurt and pain of people of color as "over-reacting" or even makingexcuses for racist jokes, rhetoric and actions by others. Instead of looking for evidence toprove you are not racist, allow the spirit of God to reveal areas where racism has beengiven license in your heart. Once identified, go before God to repent and ask God to showyou the people in your life that your actions have hurt. When the time is right, go to themand share what God revealed to you and seek their forgiveness. In parallel, if you have not perpetuated racist ideologies or actions but have harboredbitterness toward white people for past and present injustices, take time for seek God fora spirit of forgiveness and compassion toward those who act out of ignorance, bothunintentional and willful. Recognize that healing this nation will require a heart filledwith love toward all people and a willingness to work with those who may have causedharm in the past, but seek to repair the damage in the future.

National Weekend of Action

faithprejudice

&

Commit to starting a book club that reads works by and about black people and, ifyou are already leading or a member of a book club, incorporate selections by andabout black people. Do not, however, limit your reading selections to black historyand race. Read works about leadership, spirituality, business, fiction and more.Identify and support black businesses in your local community, including andbeyond black-owned restaurants. Support black accountants, constructioncompanies, clothing, and online establishments owned by black people. VisitWeBuyBlack.com, TheBlackWallet.com and more to start.Gather a group of friends together and watch the documentary 13th. Afterward,reach out to your local District Attorney to learn more about how the legal system isimpacting outcomes for black people and determine how you can engage with thelocal NAACP and other civil rights organizations to support reforms.Research and read Ta-Nehisi Coates' article "The Case for Reparations." Afterreading it, visit https://www.reparations.me/ to learn how you can offer reparationsand also work with friends and family to determine how you can collectively addressinequities in America.Begin to speak out against racism in all of its forms. This includes noticing the make-up of the leadership teams at your church, place of work, civic organizations andmore and learning more about what can be done to ensure black people are at thehighest levels of decision making tables.If you are a parent, contact your children's school and ask to review the historybooks being used to teach history to your children. Review the books and identifyhow the black experience is omitted or whitewashed, then establish a parentalcommittee to identify accurate history materials.Donate money to organizations that are working to advance racial equity in America,including Equal Justice Initiative, The King Center and more.

After spending a week together learning, discussing and praying, we want to demonstrateour faith through our works according to James 2:18. The following list of action steps aredesigned to put into practice the mission of Faith & Prejudice; confronting anddismantling racism in America. Dismantling racism requires action.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

National Weekend of ActionMobilization Agenda

faithprejudice

&

Connect with us:faithandprejudice.com

@faithandprejudice

faithprejudice

&