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Systemic racism is a tremendous problem in our society. One way or another it affects us all. Only a response based upon spiritual values will be able to set things right. The tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless others call us to take a closer look at how well we embody the values that define us.
For friends and members of the Spiritual Life Center community, these values include Deep Listening, Compassion, Inclusivity and Presence. How will we who are caught up in systemic racism come to terms with ourselves so as best to live out these values and help eradicate this injustice?
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Using the Experience Cycle, we will clarify our feelings, study the causes and extent of the problem, engage in contemplative prayer, and discern how God invites us to respond, individually and collectively. We will also learn about how we can work for justice, and how alliances
between whites and people of color can help promote justice.
The program will be led by experienced educators and spiritual compaions (directors) including Agnes Curry, Lisa Hudkins, and Carol Mento. Participants will be invited to share their discoveries in supportive small groups. Topics to be covered include the wealth gap, segregation, education, employment, reparations, health disparities, criminal justice, and voting rights. Oscar Brockmeyer will share his experience as a seasoned teacher of the Experience Cycle.
The program meets twice a month for 6 months via Zoom. The time is from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Mondays. In 2020 the dates are Sept 14 and 28, Oct 12 and 26, Nov 9 and 23, and Dec 14. In 2021 the dates are Jan 11 and 25, Feb 8 and 22, and Mar 8.
The cost of the program is $100, but no one will be turned away for financial reasons. All proceeds will be donated to a cause chosen by the participants. There is a $15 discount for those who register by August 15. Contact Oscar Brockmeyer for more information at obrockmeyer@spiritlifectr.org. Some scholarship funds are available. -
