Newman Congregational Church, UCC

racial justice

As a church, we confess our complicity and participation in the abhorrent sin of racism that has plagued our nation for over 400 years. We make the claim as people of faith that every person is a beloved child of God and is to be welcomed among us and to be treated with dignity and respect. We seek to respond from our faith perspective, as followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ, teachings that make it imperative that we speak humbly, but boldly, against injustice to God's children. Thus, we seek to engage in programming and study that leads to an experience of true equity for our neighbors of color.

racial equity team

Historically, American institutions, including religious institutions, have contributed to the unequal treatment of many of its marginalized citizens, particularly those identified as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Unjust policies involving housing, elections, hiring and education opportunities are examples that continue to hinder this large segment of our society. Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ formed a Racial Equity Team three years ago to address some of these issues.

OUR VISION

We envision a community where our relationships, institutions and social systems provide equitable support and resources for all.

OUR MISSION

The Racial Equity Team of Newman UCC will be a leader within our community exposing, naming and dismantling racism, white supremacy and all forms of prejudice. This work will exist within the life of this church and beyond to build awareness, solutions, and leadership for racial justice.

We define racial justice as equitable treatment, opportunities and outcomes for people of all races and ethnicities.

NOVEMber 2023

Book Study

Discussion via Zoom - with diverse participants studying and discussing books about racism in a space of respect.

The next book study is scheduled for November 6, 13, & 20 from 7-8:30pm via Zoom.

We will be discussing "Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy's Guide to the Constitution" by Elie Mystal.

Please register HERE to receive the Zoom link in November.

*Please note there will be no book discussion in the month of December.

NOVEMber 19, 2023 from 12-2pm

Matinee

On Sunday, November 19^th, 2023 @ 12:00 we will be showing the Traces of the Trade First-time filmmaker Katrina Browne makes a troubling discovery — her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. She and nine fellow descendants set off to retrace the Triangle Trade: from their old hometown in Rhode Island to slave forts in Ghana to sugar plantation ruins in Cuba. Step by step, they uncover the vast extent of Northern complicity in slavery while also stumbling through the minefield of contemporary race relations. An official selection of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

Register HERE - Please note there is no matinee in December.

Scholarship aid

Newman UCC Racial Equity Team

Seeks Applications for Community Scholarship

Historically, American institutions have contributed to the unequal and sometimes violent treatment of many of its citizens. Recent gun deaths and other tragic events have highlighted unfair policies that continue to fuel unrest and poverty everywhere. To ensure that this church supports racial equity and social justice with advocacy and meaningful actions, the Racial Equity Team at Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ offers scholarship aid - between $1k-$3k to individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) who are pursuing education beyond high school in 2024-25.

It is our intention that these awards help further the dreams and aspirations of marginalized students in southern New England.

Scholarship applicants will include an essay describing their motivation and plans for their future.

Dates: Accepting Applications - Check back here in early spring for information on the 2024-2025 scholarships

Application Deadline – N/A

Applicants Notified – N/A

Criteria: Identifying as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC)

Pursuing higher education or training post-high school

Has financial need

APPLY HERE

(in the spring of 2024)

If individuals or businesses in the community would like to partner with the Newman UCC Racial Equity Team in supporting the Community Scholarship, contributions may be made to Newman UCC at the address below or online HERE.

Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ is located at 100 Newman Avenue, PO Box 4764, Rumford, RI 02916. For more information, call the church office at 401-434-4742 X10.

indigenous outreach

Understanding our relationship with the Pokanoket (Wampanoag) people who were the original inhabitants of the land where this church is located.

Worship together with a significant group of Pokanoket and celebrating the new historical marker on Newman Avenue in October 2022 were highlights.

In February of 2023, we voted to adopt this Land Acknowledgment Statement.