About the Task Force
In response to the public deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks, and in support of movements toward conversation and action, The Florida Conference formed the Bishop’s Task Force on Anti-Racism. The task force includes three teams: Training and Accountability; Public Policy and Witness; and Beloved Community.
This work is in continuity with ministry that has taken place over many years. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed inequities in our society, and these killings have led to the urgent need to respond more clearly and intentionally to racism within our annual conference and across our state. The Bishop’s Task Force on Anti-Racism is one facet of this response. We solicit your support, your engagement and your prayers. We invite you to view updates on the work of the Task Force, the names of those who will serve on the Task Force, a recent cabinet statement and the resources we've compiled on race.
Take the Anti-Racism Pledge!
We invite you to pray about how God is calling you and your church to be engaged in dismantling racism, not for a moment, but for a lifetime. We are asking churches, laity, and clergy to pledge their Commitment to Becoming an Antiracist Church. In signing the pledge, you join with others to seek justice, do the work, and end racism as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Becoming an Anti-Racist Conference Comprehensive Plan
This document, Dismantling Racism: Becoming an Anti-Racist Conference Comprehensive Plan, is inspired by and rooted in the hope of Mary Magdalene, Cleopas and others who believed that “all things are possible through Christ Jesus who strengthens us!”
The work before us is daunting, sometimes overwhelming, but it is possible. It will take the prayers, service, witness, and presence of each of us to do this work of discipleship. With the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can participate in God’s redemptive plan for all of creation starting with this plan that will transform the Florida Annual Conference to an anti-racist organization who represents the body of Christ in ways that honor and glorify his name. This is the hope we have! As you read this document, do so through the eyes of the Resurrection and with the hope of Easter people…people who know that the best is yet to come!
Conference Anti-Racism Survey
In January 2021, the Training & Accountability team of the Bishop's Anti-Racism Task Force partnered with UMC Discipleship Ministries to launch the first Conference-wide survey to evaluate attitudes towards racism.