Get Involved: Study, Discuss, Take Action
The Social Justice Ministry has been busy studying, meeting on Zoom, and planning for parish activities and engagement. We remain committed to our primary focus on racism in America: as America’s “original sin,” racism calls out most urgently to be confronted. As SJM grows at St. Andrew’s, we hope to be able to expand to other areas of injustice and oppression which we know also need attention, but for now we discern that addressing racism is our calling.
March 15, 2023: SJM at the "Honor With Action: Rally for Gun Safety" at the Capitol
Resources for Direct Action
Want to take action other than study and discussion?
Consider supporting Black-owned businesses by shopping, opening a bank account, or investing. SJM has put together a list of local and web-based businesses to give you ideas. The list will be revised and added to as we learn more.
Black Owned Businesses in Ann Arbor
Know a Black-owned business that should be on the list?
Let us know: email Donna
Wessel Walker (dlww@umich.edu) with the details.
About SJM
The Social Justice Ministry at St. Andrew's was established in 2018. Thus far, our mission has been to foster a greater understanding of the roots and complexities of black and white relations in Ann Arbor and to inspire action in the Ann Arbor community that would result in addressing racism in Ann Arbor.
SJM sponsors a variety of events throughout the year. Recent events have included:
- In 2018-19: SJM sponsored their first event: a four-part series, “Black and White in Ann Arbor: It’s Not What You Think,” which brought together members of the parish and the community at large for potluck, presentation, and discussion. The topics covered "Framing the Conversation," "Ann Arbor & Slavery," "Ann Arbor & Civil Rights," and "Being Black in Ann Arbor Today."
- In 2019: A walking tour of the underground railroad in Ann Arbor
- In 2020: Co-sponsored a Washtenaw Reads 2020 book discussion on "Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen" by Jose Antonio Vargas, Election Prayer Vigils and Discussion Spaces, and book discussions on Robin DiAngelo’s "White Fragility" and "STAMPED: Racism, Antiracism, and You," by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
- In 2021: "A Virtual Visit to the George Floyd Memorial" presentation, and a book discussion on "Custer Died for your Sins" by Vine DeLoria, Jr.
- In 2022: Sponsored two Lenten Series events: "Bearing Witness: the making of a Black Forensic Psychologist" with parishioner Dr. George Watson, Jr. and "A Liturgy of Remembrance and Reconciliation" service to remember those Black Lives lost to police violence, and a Parish Christmas Carol Sing.
- In 2023: Held "Body-Centered Practices to Heal Racial Bias and Trauma" a racial equity yoga workshop with Julie Woodward, "A Liturgy of Remembrance and Reconciliation" service to remember those Black Lives lost to police violence, "Healing Racial Bias: Celebrating the Culture, Strength and Resilience of Black American People" workshop, participated in the "Honor with Action: Rally for Gun Safety" at the Capitol, led book discussions on "In My Grandmother's House: Black Women, Faith, and the Stories We Inherit" by Yolanda Pierce, co-sponsored "Democracy and the Church: Following Christ as Faithful Citizens" at St. Aidan’s (Ann Arbor), and a Parish Christmas Carol Sing.
Prayer for Social Justice
Grant O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, and especially the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
