We give thanks for the 123 people who completed ELPC’s survey sponsored by the Facing Systemic Racism Team. Responses shed light on where ELPC is in its journey toward becoming an anti-racist congregation. Respondents showed broad disagreement with statements such as “ELPC institutional structures and culture maintain white power and privilege” and broad agreement with statements such as “ELPC is committed to working to dismantle racism in the wider community.”
However, white respondents had a rosier view of antiracism work at ELPC than respondents of color. Specifically, white respondents were more likely to agree that “ELPC works intentionally to develop an identity as an ‘anti-racist’ institution” and that “ELPC holds itself accountable to racially oppressed communities.” Older and younger respondents also differed. Older respondents expressed higher levels of agreement than did younger respondents with the statement: “People at ELPC often declare, ‘As a church we don’t see color.'”
Survey responses will help guide the work of our Facing Systemic Racism Team. If you would like to participate in a focus group to discuss how ELPC should proceed in its antiracism work, contact Pastor Patrice at Patricefs@coh.net.