R.A.R.E. (Racial Awareness, Reconciliation, and Engagement) is a committee of the Nebraska Synod ELCA dedicated to energize the church to combat the sin of racism.
By increasing awareness about the history and nature of racism, creating opportunities for reconciliation, and promoting engagement among diverse people, we can better live out the command to love God and love our neighbors. Through grace we commit to the task of shedding our prejudices and participating in the rich blessing of human difference.
Institutional Changes
R.A.R.E. co-chair Rev. Miriam Blair often reminds us that, “change happens from within.” To that end, R.A.R.E. partnered with the Synod Council in 2021 to develop four key anti-racism strategies that were implemented by the Nebraska Synod. As a result, barriers in the council/committee nomination process were eliminated; the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) committee was established; and a new Inclusivity Workshop was launched at Synod Assembly in 2023. R.A.R.E. will continue to collaborate with the Bishop and Synod staff to develop and facilitate racial equity training for rostered leaders.
Looking to the Future
“We are greater than, and greater for, the sum of us,” writes author Heather McGhee in her book, The Sum of Us. McGhee argues convincingly that racism hurts everyone by eroding the humanity of all who experience it, whether as victims or perpetrators. When we come together, each of us working toward a greater good, we are healthier, more resilient and stronger as a whole.
More than 150 years after the end of the Civil War, racial injustice within the structures of our institutions – including the ELCA – continues to harm us. We, as the church, are called by Christ to eradicate racism, to seek justice and equity for all and to foster wholeness in our communities and in our society at large.
To that end, we invite you to partner with us in advancing this work in your churches, your neighborhoods, your workplaces and your families.
- Join R.A.R.E. – we are always glad to welcome new members!
- Connect with us at rare@nebraskasynod.org.
- Fill out the “Stay in touch with us” form at the bottom of this page to sign up for our quarterly newsletter and other updates. (Be sure to select I want info about “R.A.R.E. updates”)
COMING SOON! Fall 2024
Let’s Talk: Native American History and Culture
An online workshop series exploring the topic of land dispersion, relocation and long-term consequences. More information and registration coming soon!
