DISMANTLING RACISM #005-03-20-07 - Dismantling Racism Task Force
https://archives.anglican.ca/link/official10742
- Date
- 2020 July 25
- Type
- Resolution 003-07-20
- Mover
- The Rev. Dr. Karen Egan
- Seconder
- Ms. Dale Drozda
- Prologue
- Reconciliation Animator, Ms. Melanie Delva, put forward a motion written by Public Witness for Social and Ecological Justice to establish the Dismantling Racism Task Force. Before moving the motion, questions and comments were welcomed. One Council member asked about the theoretical background of the proposed task force, noting that there were various theoretical approaches to opposing racism. Ms. Delva responded that the resolution was based on the baptismal covenant and the theory that “we are all God’s children.” In implementing its work, the task force would be looking at different kinds of theories, tools, and forms of organization to oppose racism. Discussion ensued amongst Council. Another Council member spoke to the membership, which would be assembled and then affirmed by CoGS at a later date, and proposed that when looking at ways to cope, there needs to be someone on the task force with the objective for education. Archbishop Nicholls responded that the member of CoGS sitting on the task force would, given the composition of the Council, would represent this. The majority of Council is white and the key part of dismantling racism is conversations with the white community. The comment will be taken into consideration.
- Text of motion
- Be it resolved: That the Council of General Synod establish a Dismantling Racism Task Force with a mandate to: a) Review policies and processes to identify systemic barriers to full participation for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) in the structures and governance of General Synod and make recommendations for redress b) Update and promote the Charter for Racial Justice in the Anglican Church of Canada c) Recommend a process of anti-racism education and training for the Council of General Synod as well as Coordinating Committees, Councils, Commissions and employees of General Synod d) Develop a plan to engage the whole Church in the work of dismantling racism, including identifying and/or developing resources and training to be offered to Provinces and Dioceses. e) Report the results of its work to General Synod 2022, at the latest, including recommendations for ongoing work to dismantle racism within the Church. The membership of this task force (6-8 members) should reflect the communities of the Church most impacted by racism, and so should be comprised primarily of BIPOC members and members with experience in anti-racism ministry and leadership, including young people. Membership should include:
- members recommended by the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples
- members recommended by Black Anglicans of Canada
- members of other racialized communities (eg. Asian, South Asian, Latinx, and others)
- 1 member of the Council of General Synod
- Relevant staff for input and support Members will be appointed by the Council following a call for nominations to the identified groups and to the wider church. ADOPTED #CoGS 003-07-20
- Notes
- The Primate updated Council on The Anglican Church of Canada’s efforts towards dismantling racism. Since the last meeting, the world has exploded around this topic because of events that have happened in the public sphere, especially around the murder of Mr. George Floyd in the United states of America. Dismantling racism has been an ongoing conversation with Council, with the Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, and within The Anglican Church of Canada. At previous meetings this triennium, Council heard about the small group of General Synod staff members working with Archbishop Nicholls to determine how to proceed with anti-racism work. The group has determined that the best way to approach the work is for CoGS to empower a specific body to guide the whole church in dismantling racism – giving new life to the anti-racism working group established by CoGS in the past. The body would include racialized people and Council members.
- Subjects
- Anglican Church of Canada. Dismantling Racism Task Force
- Racism - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada