A Letter from the Reparations Team

The following letter was sent via email on Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Dear HTLC Members,

Our congregational work on reparations is still in its early stages. Specifically, the Reparations Task Force was formed to explore how HTLC may concretely mend some of the harms caused by white supremacy and colonization. There is a lot to unpack just in that one sentence! 

At this initial stage, our team’s work involves connecting with as many folks as possible, and listening especially to those who identify as racially minoritized members of our congregation. We will connect with various HTLC constituencies (e.g., council and committee members, among others) over the next few months. Given the centrality of race to this discussion, and in awareness of the fact that our team is currently composed of white people, we are first going to reach out to folks who may identify in some way as BIPOC - Black, Indigenous and/or people of color.

To be clear, the purpose of these conversations is to create an opportunity to grow relationships and for HTLC members to be able to ask the team any questions and share thoughts/concerns that they/you may have. We will not ask anyone to “bless” this work or obligate you in any way. Rather, the aim is for the team to hear the thoughts/questions/ideas–whatever people wish to share–and we will answer any questions as best we can. 

Moreover, if you—however you may identify in terms of race/ethnicity–wish to meet with one of us, feel free to reach out at any time and we will respond promptly. Our emails are embedded in our names below.

In Christ,

Josh Brown and Aana Vigen, Reparations Task Force Co-Chairs

Task Force Members: Kerry Fleming, Kris Hiepler-Harwig, Margaret Ann Sanders, Marji Shannon, Barbara Wahler, Pastor Craig Mueller.

PS A bit of context: the Reparations Task Force is a subgroup of the larger congregational HTLC Anti-Racism Ministry. We are using a curriculum created by Sacred Reckonings as a guide. In addition, Pastor Craig is participating in a six-month collaborative series of meetings, led by creators of this curriculum, with others who are doing reparations work within their congregations.

Want to experience a Jewish, Muslim, or Hindu worship service?

According to PEW research, here is a breakdown of adult religious affiliation in Metro Chicago: Christian 71%, “unaffiliated” 22%, Jewish 3%, Muslim 2%, Buddhist 1%, Hindu 1%. Years ago Holy Trinity members visited a Friday night Jewish shabbat service and afternoon Friday prayers at the American Islamic College. This year’s Life Together group has requested that we arrange more such visits, perhaps expanding to include eastern Orthodox Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu worship experiences.

If there is sufficient interest, we will begin to plan for Fall 2023. Please email Carol LaHurd if you wish to participate, noting which religious expressions you are most interested in visiting.

White people, here's what you can do. (from the Lighthouse Foundation)

White Accomplices,

This week has been tumultuous and tiring. Usually, I would release a lengthy statement about racism, specifically, police brutality. I trust, though, that you are already with me in knowing these systemic realities. Plus, like many Black folx at this moment, I'm tired. So, let's not waste time with screeds and speeches. The moment for those have long past in our nation. White allies: at this moment, I call you to definitive action. 

Many white people and predominately white institutions have reached out to me with virtually the same questions, "What can we do, and how can we support you and the foundation?"

Here are three concrete ways that you can help not only yourself and us but also our entire city dismantle racism: partner, mature, and donate.

1) PARTNER - Join Lighthouse Foundation's organizing arm, CARE, as an individual, faith community, or non-profit. Below you will find documents that outline membership.

a) Individual
b) Faith Community 
c) Non-Profit

2) MATURE- Join us in dialogue that leads to meaningful action and transformation

Attend Antiracism for White Folks Training w/Rev. Smash
Saturday, June 20th, 11 am - 1 pm
Register here: https://bit.ly/antiracism4whitefolks

DONATE
a) Lighthouse Foundation’s Black Queer Mutual Aid Fund of Chicagoland
https://bit.ly/blackqueerfund

b)Lighthouse’s Foundation’s General Operating Support
https://www.phimc.org/donate/
Go to the dropdown menu and select Lighthouse Foundation

We encourage you to share this email with your friends, faith community members, family, etc. You can do so by simply posting this link in text messages, emails, and across your social media platforms:

https://mailchi.mp/lightfoundchi/whitepeoplehereswhatyoucando 

Sincerely,
Jamie Frazier
Executive Director
Lighthouse Foundation