Racism, refugees, sexism, politics — these topics can be hard to deal with. Two parishes in the diocese are tackling them, each in their own way.
St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Keller, is participating in a Real Talks about Race Event from 3 to 5:30 pm. Sunday, April 28, 2019, in the small, west parish hall of St. Martin’s school building. Light refreshments will be available. A donation of $5 per attendee is welcome but not required
Real Talks about Race was formed by a small group of passionate women to create a series of conversations about racial issues in their community, because, “As much as we’d all like to think otherwise, racial discrimination and prejudice are still pervasive in our county & local community.”
Real Talks are community-based, non-religious events for community members of all races over the age of 21 to come together and have open, honest, real discussions. Each 2.5 hour event will start with a welcome and overview of what to expect. A trained facilitator will then lead a discussion with small groups of no more than 10 people per table. Facilitators will ensure everyone has an opportunity to be heard and guide the discussion to ensure that it is productive, respectful, and thought-provoking.
There are a limited amount of seats so sign up today at realtalkgroups.com. For more information contact Carla Pulliam at 214-293-4136 or drcbpulliam@carlapulliam.com.
St. Luke’s in the Meadow, Fort Worth, hosts Living Room Conversations (LRC) every third Tuesday at 7 pm, with a different topic each month. According to their website, “Living Room Conversations are a conversational bridge across issues that divide and separate us. They provide an easy structure for engaging in friendly yet meaningful conversation with those with whom we may not agree. These conversations increase understanding, reveal common ground, and sometimes even allow us to discuss possible solutions. No fancy event or skilled facilitator is needed.”
The Rev. Canon Linda Taylor of our diocese is a member of LRC’s Core Team. She introduced the concept into the diocese, and demonstrated it at diocesan convention last year.
St. Luke’s has found the civil conversations an occasion of grace as well as an incubator of new minsitries, one of which is Coffee and Conversation on the Corner each Friday morning of the school year. It was featured in the video Sharing the Tithe that was shown at diocesan convention.