wfn.org | United Methodists launch series of anti-racism publications

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

July 7, 1998	Contact: Joretta Purdue*(202)546-8722*Washington
10-30-71B{402}

WASHINGTON (UMNS) - Using current events as illustrations, a new booklet
published by the United Methodist Church explores cultural, individual
and institutional racism.

The initial piece of  an eight-part series of anti-racism
study-and-action guides also includes a theological basis and definition
of terms for dialogue on the subject. In "Confronting the Sin," author
Elaine Jenkins has written that the idea of some races being superior to
others, while scientifically invalid, must be dealt with "as if it were
reality because our cultural values, norms, assumptions and perceptions
are based upon this false premise."

The cultural lenses through which everyone views life generally lead
people of different racial groups to perceive racism differently,
Jenkins noted. She also warned of the inaccuracies associated with
lumping racial and ethnic minority groups together.

Jenkins practiced law for 14 years before serving on the staff of the
United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race from 1992 to 1996.

Other authors in the series of anti-racism guides include former U.S.
Surgeon General A. Joycelyn Elders; United Methodist Bishop Woodie
White, who serves the Indiana Area; Eric H.F. Law, an Episcopal priest
and consultant on multicultural leadership; and the Rev. J. Philip
Wogaman, pastor of Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington.

The commission and the United Methodist Board of Church and Society are
working together to produce the booklets, which will be released over
the next several months. The eight guides are designed to take readers
"from the confrontation of their own racism to an understanding of  the
manifestations of institutional racism - in the church appointment
process, and in the economic, educational, criminal justice and health
systems of society."

Future publications will address other subjects. The two church agencies
plan to publish guides in Spanish and Korean on issues identified by
those constituencies.

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NOTE TO EDITORS FOR OPTIONAL INCLUSION IN STORY: Copies of "Confronting
the Sin" are available from the Service Department of the Board of
Church and Society, 100 Maryland Ave. NE, Washington DC 20002, for $2.50
each; or in quantities of 10 or more, $2 each.