Racial & Social Justice

The Gathering is committed to becoming an anti-racist church.

White supremacy remains one of the most powerful false idols in our country. It doesn’t reflect God’s kingdom, impedes our ability to share the gospel, and is in direct competition with Jesus’ intention to reign as supreme Lord of our lives. As disciples of Christ we must resist and eliminate the power of racism over our lives and our church. We recognize that we have a long way to go and offer the following resources as tools to use on our journey together.

resources

We have curated this list to share resources specific to the church, Christianity, or the St. Louis community. There are many others helpful in anti-racism work. You are welcome to suggest others to add to our list.

Sermons

Books

I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm by John Elford
White Lies by Daniel Hill
White Too Long by Robert P. Jones
Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison
The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby
How to Fight Racism by Jemar Tisby
Living In The Tension by Shelly Tochluk

Citizen Brown by Colin Gordon
Mapping Decline by Colin Gordon
The Broken Heart of America by Walter Johnson
St. Louis: Disappearing Black Communities by John A. Wright Sr.
The Last Children of Mill Creek by Vivian Gibson

Films, Podcasts & More

Classes & Workshops

Witnessing Whiteness Groups: 
Facilitated by the YWCA, these groups meet almost weekly for 14 two-hour sessions. The only cost is the purchase of the book. The Gathering hosts a group once a year, and open groups are also available. Contact: witnessingwhiteness@ywcastlouis.org
Community for Understanding and Hope Book Group:
This group meets monthly from 7:00–8:30 pm at the Kirkwood Public Library. Contact: Joy Weese Moll at cfuhbookgroup@gmail.com

St. Louis Organizations

Action St. Louis: Born out of the Ferguson Uprisings of 2014 and rooted in collective direct action against systemic racism and state violence.
American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri: To defend civil liberties and the principles of equality and justice in Missouri through litigation, legislative and public education programs.
Arch City Defenders, Inc.: To provide holistic legal advocacy and combat the criminalization of poverty and state violence against poor people and people of color.
Casa De Salud: To facilitate and deliver high quality clinical and mental health services for uninsured and underinsured patients, focusing on new immigrants and refugees.
Catholic Racial Justice Collaborative:Encourages Catholic faith communities to challenge and own the history of racism in the church and community.
Forward Through Ferguson: We believe St. Louis can become a region that is Racially Equitable—a state in which life outcomes are no longer predictable by race.
Gateway Equity InstituteEmpowers leaders to drive institutional and systemic change, provides transformational training and coaching opportunities, and engages youth through in-depth diversity programs.
Hands Up United: Collective of politically engaged minds building towards the liberation of oppressed Black, Brown and poor people.
Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis: Understanding, respect and appreciation among all persons across lines of religious difference.
International Institute St. Louis: To help immigrants and their families be productive Americans and to champion ethnic diversity as a cultural and economic strength.
League of Women Voters: Encourage informed and active participation in government and increase the understanding of and influence public policy issues.
Metropolitan Congregation United St. Louis: To foster a belief that individually and together congregations have a right and responsibility to act for the common good for the surrounding community.
National Council of Jewish Women: Strive for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and to safeguard individual rights and freedoms.
OCA St. Louis Chapter: To advance the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.
Organization for Black Struggle: Fights for political empowerment, economic justice and the cultural dignity of the African-American community, especially the Black working class.
Keyway Center for Diversion & Reentry: To assist women in the criminal justice system because change is possible.
Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice: Identify, research and discuss critical issues; Mobilize, energize and inspire action; Work for social justice.