Anti-Oppression TeamThe Anti-Oppression Team was founded in 2022 with a three-fold purpose:
a. Be the voice to keep the church moving forward to become anti-racist, and anti-oppressive b. Hold the church accountable to the work we commit to c. Critical role to build bridges internally across our congregation’s diverse viewpoints to move forward together and responsibly to become anti-oppressive What we've been up to: This summer we've been accepted into DurhamCares Journey to Thriving program. Throughout the three year journey we will experience the Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope, a year of learning cohorts along with 5 other churches in our community and the implementation of an active plan to promote mutual thriving for our community. We also recently held an accessibility audit of our building and programs and are taking steps to make our space more inclusive and accessible including: large print, braille, and simple image/AAC bulletins. We also have noise cancelling headphones, a low sensory worship space, fidget toy baskets, image descriptions on our website and social media, and staff training. Last spring, our team partnered with DurhamCares to journey on the "Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope," a full weekend where we were immersed in the stories of those who walked before us. We walked the grounds of the Stagville Plantation, where enslaved persons were forced to live and work, all while white families profited from their "free" labor. We heard first-hand accounts from former residents of the Hayti District who saw their neighborhood destroyed by systemic racism. We talked with black pastors and entrepreneurs who challenged us to be more than "allies" but rather, to INVEST in the black community. We also experienced the hope and joy of worshiping alongside Mt. Level Baptist Church. We made new connections within our community of undocumented persons living in Durham, and shared in many meals prepared by black chefs and restaurants. |
Anti-Oppression Update 2024
Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope 2023
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Anti-Racism Formation GuideThis formation guide was created specifically for the community of Duke Memorial. The books and media, the groups that will be formed to process, the action items, and the range of developmental levels were all taken into account when creating this document. This document is meant to be a living resource, growing and changing as we engage one another and others in our anti-racism journey.
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Disability JusticeOur congregation is actively working toward accessibility and care. If you have any access needs or requests please email [email protected]
Disability Pride Parade 2024: 5 PM July 27 | Parade begins from Reality Ministries parking lot |
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Disability Pride Parade 2023Duke Memorial was proud to participate in Durham’s first Disability Pride Parade organized by our own pastoral intern Tatum Tricarico! The parade celebrated the signing of the ADA and the Disabled community in the Triangle with amazing presenters and helpful information about groups spreading Disability Pride!
For more information see Durham Disability Pride Parade's website. Watch CBS17’s coverage of the parade and Tatum’s interview below! |
LGBTQIA+Duke Memorial is committed to the full inclusion of LGBTQIA identified persons. We celebrate the decisions at General Conference 2024 to remove harmful language and punishments around Queerness in the United Methodist Church.
Some of our actions: Marching in PRIDE → Queerly Beloved Worship → Supportive Church Initiative → |
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