Created as a response to the killing of 69 protesters at a peaceful anti-apartheid demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa in 1960, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has been observed around the world every year on March 21 since 1966. Find relevant background and resources on our anti-racism page.
Worship Ideas
- Living on the Path of Respect (460.82 KB) (PDF): A worship service on the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery.
- Revival Out of Helplessness: Worship (269.83 KB) (PDF): A worship service on the theme of anti-racism (from Mandate, Winter 2018).
Related Material
- Revival Out of Helplessness: Bible Study (495.66 KB) (PDF): The story of the Samaritan woman at the well can help us reflect on racism (from Mandate, Winter 2018).
- The Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery | United Church of Christ (947.4 KB) (PDF): A biblical reflection
- UN Decade for African Descent: Join The United Church of Canada and the United Church of Christ USA in promoting recognition, justice, for people of African descent.
Worship Blog
A White Teenager's Perspective on Racism
Matthew Tyhurst writes about the how the testimony of a racialized person his own age helped change the way he looked at the world.
Navigating Life as a Child of Korean Immigrants
Sarah Yang writes her own coming-of-age story, wrestling with racism, identity, and intergenerational culture clash.
After Black History Month, What Now?
How one United Church community of faith is responding to Black Lives Matter.
On Racism and White Allies
Rev. Sun-Young "Sunny" Kim writes on the need for progressive White people to show humility when it comes to confronting racism.
Dismantling White Privilege in the Church
Executive Minister Shannon McCarthy writes about the ways she is learning to confront White supremacy in the structures of the church and paving the way for others.
Twelve Steps toward Ending White Supremacy
The author recommends a 12-step treatment process for White people to end the violence of White supremacy.
A Strategic Approach to Tackling Racism
Moses Kanhai explores ways to develop a strategic plan to end racism.
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