LSTC commissions Antiracism Transformation Team to combat internal racial disparity
October 6, 2021
On October 13 at 2 p.m. Central time, the Board of Directors of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) will officially commission its Antiracism Transformation Team (ATT). Register here to attend online or in person.
Last year, LSTC put together a team of 21 staff, students’ faculty and external partners, to address “the institutional racism and inequities that are embedded within our institution, in order to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and justice within our (LSTC) community.” After 12 months of intensive training and development, the team is ready to begin its work establishing “transforming institutional values” that promote racial parity, while debasing white privilege and white supremacy.
In 2019, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America resolved that “As church we are called to confess the sin of racism, condemn the ideology of white supremacy, and strive for racial justice and peace. Beyond statements and prayers, we are called to also act and respond to injustices.” It is in response to this call that LSTC established the ATT. The work of transformation is always laborious and challenging, but according to LSTC President James Nieman “this work must be done.”
The commissioning will be held as a hybrid event Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 2-4 p.m. during the school’s Homecoming celebration. The program will include an explanation the four core values of the team: repentance, reparation, reconciliation and transformation; an affirmation of the ATT charter; a sharing of stories by those harmed at LSTC and a public confession of the harm perpetrated historically against persons of color. The event concludes with the commissioning and sending of the team.
Marvin Wickware Jr., assistant professor of church and society and ethics, will prepare a presentation, “Theologians of the Cross and Antiracism,” followed by a panel discussion on race and racism.
Register here for the commissioning event. Limited in-person participation is available.
Contact
Patti DeBias
Assistant to the President