Jan. 21-23 — WOODSTOCK — With the recent events in Ferguson, Mo., Staten Island, N.Y., and Charleston, S.C., many people across the U.S. have come to question whether our nation can ever achieve racial equality within our institutions and social interactions.
From Jan. 21-23, St. James Episcopal Church in Woodstock will be a partner site when a leading group of activists, scholars, authors, artists and experts on racial inequality come together to hold life-giving conversations on the racial issues of our time, including structural racism, mass incarceration, and policy change at Trinity Institute’s 45th National Theological Conference, “Listen for a Change: Sacred Conversations for Racial Justice.”
In today’s society, many systems of discrimination thrive because they remain invisible to those benefitting from them. “Listen for a Change” encourages open dialogue about how systemic racism is hurting us and what we can do to create change—a process that starts with listening.
The conference recognizes that many people avoid conversations about race because they’re difficult, uncomfortable, or risk being perceived as prejudiced. Instead, the conversations during the conference will be learning opportunities: chances to talk skillfully and with less apprehension about charged issues with people who might have differing perspectives. These life-giving conversations will teach more about the racial issues of our time.
Keynote speakers include action-oriented theologians and thought leaders, such as Nicholas Kristof, Anna Deavere Smith, and Emilie Townes, to provide inspiration and ideas to share in the community to make a positive impact.
The live conference will be held at Trinity Church (Broadway at Wall Street, New York City). As a partner site, St. James Episcopal Church will offer all aspects of the conference via webcast—where participants can submit questions for speakers via email during the live Q&A. Onsite reflection groups are coordinated using materials prepared and provided by Trinity Institute.
For more info and to register, call 802-457-1727. The cost is $10 per person.
