Community of Christ in Canada - Joint Statement on Anti-Racism

Dear friends,
​
In the last couple of years Community of Christ in Canada has been participating as an observer with the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC). While we have not yet been admitted as full members, our engagement has been highly meaningful. We have been building good ecumenical relationships.
 
We now have the opportunity, as an observer at the Council table to add our signature to a joint statement recognizing and marking the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) in the Canadian context. The International Decade for People of African Descent was declared by the United Nations in 2015 to last through 2024.

For more information, we encourage you to review the following resources:

• Background to the UN International Decade for People of African Descent
• Invitation: Canadian Ecumenical Initiative to mark
  The International Decade for People of African Descent
• Joint Statement
• General Information on IDPAD  

​By joining other churches in Canada in this joint statement we would be expressing our desire to join them in asking the CCC to make anti-racism, specifically anti-Black racism, and the goals of the UN IDPAD, a priority.
 
I believe that this is an opportunity for Community of Christ members and congregations in Canada to prophetically respond to these matters with creative engagement as individuals, groups, congregations, and jurisdictions.
 
As Community of Christ Canadian leadership contemplate signing this joint statement, we would be interested in hearing from you. Please complete this survey by Wednesday, June 17, 2020.

TAKE THE SURVEY

I also welcome any other feedback on this opportunity.
 

In the peace of Jesus Christ,

Art Smith
Field Apostle for Canada