Diversity Team

United Methodists have a history of addressing social issues that goes back to Methodism’s founder, John Wesley. In addition to local efforts to care for the impoverished and dispossessed, Wesley often published tracts on social concerns, such as his influential pamphlet, “Thoughts on Slavery.”

The task of eradicating racism portends nearly endless struggle, but perhaps a United Methodist multitude of small acts, like water drops, eventually will erode a mountain of racial prejudice.

Believing that all persons are equal in God’s sight and should be treated equally, Penfield United Methodist Church formed a small group, “Dismantling Racism”, to study and become more aware of form of racism and inequality in our own communities and city. Hopefully, we will bring about changes in our own thinking and advocate for needed changes in our communities.

In October of 2021, we held our first community gathering. Our speaker, Gabrielle Brannigan, discussed the topic “Racist Policy and Resistance in Rochester”. She is a graduate of the UR Warner School of Education and teaches 7th and 8th grade Social Studies. She is also a teacher leader with the Antiracist Curriculum Project.

The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. For more information and resources, please visit: https://www.resourceumc.org/en/topics/diversity-and-inclusiveness

We invite you to join us at our monthly meetings and upcoming community events.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.