Our 7/10/2007 Draft,
which is evolving as we evolve!
1. As the saying goes, “There is only one race, the human race.”
2. Our Washington, DC region is enriched by a remarkable diversity of faith traditions, racial-ethnic cultures and social resources, but is morally marred by unconscionable disparities in well-being, largely "colored" by “race” and ethnicity.
3. When racial prejudice (negative stereotypes) is enforced by social and economic power, it becomes systemic racism, manifested in exclusionary, demeaning and oppressive practices of social superiority, institutional dominance and economic marginalization.
4. In the history of the United States, colonialism has privileged white Christian European-Americans, making their cultural particularities seem superior and even normal, and they have, over generations, grown the category of “white people” to offer often unexamined, opportunities, privileges and power to some (starting with the right to vote), while dividing workers and the poor across invented “racial” categories. To be “white” in this country is to benefit from racist systems, whether intentional or unconscious.
5. Racism is a hindrance to the spiritual fulfillment of all people, a wound in every human heart, as well as a divisive and deadly contradiction in our socio-economic system. You can not grow up in this country without racial prejudices and wounds that breed distrust and disrespect.
6. All of the predominant faith traditions call their members to the utmost respect for the interdependent nature of life, the unity of the human family, compassion for suffering, peace, justice and right relationship.
7. Faith and spiritual resources to overcome alienation, fear, and denial are deepened and strengthened in dialogue with one another and in the taking of courageous actions for justice together.
8. To be merely “nonracist” or try to be “colorblind” today is to allow the current systems of domination and privilege to continue unabated and to perpetuate the unlevel “playing field” of economic opportunity. “Antiracism” has signals a more proactive structural critique of white privilege and is committed to respecting the leadership of people of color, to achieve lasting change for a truly multicultural paradigm.
9. Reconciliation in this dynamic context is not merely about apology and forgiveness; it requires rebuilding relationships, being accountable for historical injustices and economic reparations, and creating just institutions so that every human being is supported to become his or her best self.
TOWARD BECOMING
A TRULY ANTIRACIST ORGANIZATION
10. To overcome these historical divisions and dominant practices, Allies must create and model new kinds of intentional antiracist practices, healing relationships, and intentional spiritual disciplines as we build honest and empowering relationships of solidarity across faiths, racial-ethnic people and all of the oppressive "isms" used to divide us. This requires extraordinary determination to not perpetuate white dominance or internalized racism.
11. We choose to focus primarily on the uniquely oppressive history and systems of mistreatment of African-Americans in our country, although we acknowledge that all oppressions are interrelated, esp. with gender and class, and our ultimate vision is of a truly multicultural community in which children of all racial-ethnic groups have equal opportunity. We believe that the systemic and spiritual awareness, skills, and practices we develop together will help build bridges of respect and justice for all people.
12. We commit ourselves to mutual accountability in practices of “ruthless compassion,” honest and timely feedback, and staying at the table to deal with during difficult feelings and issues. This requires us to go beyond a “conspiracy of courtesy” and the need to feel safe and comfortable. We ask white participants to “do their work” and not expect people of color to educate them or endure disrespect and ignorance.
13. Through education, dialogue, and the training of Allies in Action together, we will increase the number of people equipped to identify, name and uproot the racial causes of injustice at personal, institutional, systemic and global levels--and make our region a model of a racially just and inclusive community in our life times.
14. We call every person of faith and religious community to look deeply into their hearts, faith traditions and institutions to identify and eradicate interpersonal, cultural and institutionalized racism, and to come together as a resounding voice for healing, justice and inclusion across our entire region, country and globe.
15. In light of both the environmental harm caused by suburban sprawl and the cruel displacement caused by unbridled gentrification of urban areas, there is more urgency than ever to create a culture of mutual respect and interdependence among all income levels and cultures if we are to achieve our goals of a lasting, just, inclusive and peaceful multicultural community for our children and future generations.
16. Our model of change is thus: that with education, spiritual reflection and discipline, continued accountability to one another, and direct action against the root causes of social disparities, we will find healing and the strength to change what has at times felt impossible.
17. We assume these assumptions will evolve as we evolve in our new antiracist and multicultural identities.
