Commission on Religion and Race

The fundamental purpose of the Annual Conference Commission on Religion and Race (as set forth in the Book of Discipline) challenges the total membership of the Annual Conference, its boards, agencies, districts and local churches to promote the achievement of inclusiveness of all persons in its life, fellowship and mission.

It monitors and reviews the practices of the Annual Conference to ensure racial/ethnic representation on all of the conference boards and agencies, as well as the governing boards relating to institutions, as they seek to develop programs and policies of racial/ethnic inclusiveness.

This commission is responsible for providing a channel of assistance to racial/ethnic groups as they seek to develop programs of empowerment and ministry to their communities.

• Consulting with the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Cabinet to determine what provisions are made for the recruitment and itinerancy of racial and ethnic minority ministers.
• Providing programs of sensitization and education at every level of the conference, on the nature and meaning of racism — attitudinal, behavioral, and institutional.
• Providing opportunities for multiracial and interethnic dialogue and meetings throughout the conference.
• Reviewing the Annual Conference practices of employment, of Annual Conference program, business and administration, and office personnel, and reporting and recommending to the Annual Conference steps to be taken to actualize racial and ethnic inclusiveness; reviewing Annual Conference-related institutions such as colleges, hospitals, homes for aged, child-care agencies, etc., concerning their practices of racial and ethnic inclusiveness in clientele and employment and reporting to Annual Conference session.

 

Related Staff: Ray Edmonds

Commission Co Chair: Jan Prentace and Vernell Carter