Antiracism Task Force

Events of 2020 called St. Lawrence to enrich its equity and equality ministry. An Antiracism task force was formed. The members of the task force are Tom Gracia, Piper Hodson, Ellen Jennings, Hal McGhee, and Sharon Starr - a big thank you to all of them for being willing to contribute to this important ministry. 

 
As the antiracism leaders in our Diocese and national church have said, antiracism efforts must involve prayer, learning, and action. We plan a multi-level approach to increasing the congregation’s awareness of systemic racism and white supremacy. 

In January 2021 each member of the task force told their own story about when they first became aware of race.  In February, which is Black History Month, there were brief “Did You Know” stories about the history of Blacks in the church.  During Lent 2021 we used the Conversations that Matter format to read and discuss Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad.  In November St. Lawrence welcomed the community for viewing and discussion of the film Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North.  During the spring of 2022, St. Lawrence Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville partnered in a new program called Sacred Ground.

We look forward to bringing additional programs to our community.