C&SC’s mission is “to engage, listen, and witness to our congregation in regard to systemic racism in order that we may work toward justice and reconciliation among people of the Asheville community and beyond.” We welcome new members to serve on any of three subcommittees: 1) Reconciliation with Hopkins Chapel AME Zion Church; 2) Education within the congregation, and 2) Outreach to the wider community. All inquiries should go to CandSC@CentralUMC.org.
The Reconciliation with Hopkins Chapel Team has established a relationship with laity there, and is now waiting for a new pastor to be appointed so joint conversations can be held and plans made for shared ministry and reconciliatory action.
The Education Team offers copies of the PBS series, “The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song,” for viewing by individuals, groups, classes, and circles. This four-hour documentary traces the 400-year story of the Black church in America, and has a study guide available. The team is in conversation Ann Henderson-Owens and Andrew Mochrie regarding the development of curriculum for children and youth. Team members have taken the Hood Huggers International Tour which explores Asheville’s historically Black neighborhoods, and encourages others to take advantage of this educational opportunity. Tours are intimate, interactive and leaves one looking at our city with new eyes.
The Community Outreach Team aims to: (1) tap local resources to learn all we can about current events and issues related to racial justice and reconciliation; (2) inform and engage the wider Central congregation and our members in participation and advocacy; and (3) establish relationships of cooperation and solidarity with churches and agencies involved in working toward racial justice and reconciliation. In pursuit of these goals we are in communication with Pisgah Legal Services, Christians for a United Community, Racial Justice Coalition, Buncombe Community Remembrance Project, Martin Luther King, Jr. Association, Church Street Collaborative–with regard to local issues like Reparations, support of Black-owned businesses; Haywood Street Community Development, and the impact of Asheville’s growth on the well-being of underserved communities.