One of the most important parts of this work has been the conversations happening within MFSA's Racial Audit Implementation Team. These have not always been easy conversations, nor should they be. We have been asked to sit with uncomfortable truths, to listen to experiences that challenge our assumptions, and to examine not only what MFSA hopes and intends to be, but how our structures and practices have done harm. We have had to ask difficult questions about power, accountability, investment, leadership, and what it means to move beyond a commitment to racial justice toward an organization that is in real, mutually-accountable relationships with people of color communities. The following is my attempt to share some of what I have been learning through these conversations, the tensions and questions I continue to carry, and what I believe this moment of truth-telling and transformation is asking of us as an organization.

As a member of the original Racial Audit Task Force, I learned a lot about the history of MFSA. I studied documents, read interviews with those involved in the past, and helped conduct a survey of current participants.

One of the most important parts of this work has been the conversations happening within MFSA's Racial Audit Implementation Team. These have not always been easy conversations, nor should they be. We have been asked to sit with uncomfortable truths, to listen to experiences that challenge our assumptions, and to examine not only what MFSA hopes and intends to be, but how our structures and practices have done harm. We have had to ask difficult questions about power, accountability, investment, leadership, and what it means to move beyond a commitment to racial justice toward an organization that is in real, mutually-accountable relationships with people of color communities. The following is my attempt to share some of what I have been learning through these conversations, the tensions and questions I continue to carry, and what I believe this moment of truth-telling and transformation is asking of us as an organization.

As a member of the original Racial Audit Task Force, I learned a lot about the history of MFSA. I studied documents, read interviews with those involved in the past, and helped conduct a survey of current participants.

Reflection on Repentance

The MFSA Anti-Racist Audit Implementation Team has spent considerable time exploring what repentance, as an organization and institution, can and ought to look like as we seek to guide MFSA toward living into and meaningfully addressing the findings of the MFSA Anti-Racist Audit.

Reflection on Theme 1

Theme 1: MFSA prioritizes white comfort, focusing on “white saviorism” and being “the good white ones”. This behavior results in performative allyship. It commodifies and renders People of Color invisible.

The Racial Audit Implementation Team came into being almost one year ago. There are six members of the team, two of whom were part of the Racial Audit Team. Bridget Cabrera, our Executive Director, is also part of the team. The team has been challenged by a number of logistical things in the past year – finding dates in everyone’s busy schedules to meet monthly, taking time out to prepare for and attend General Conference in the spring, and working only by Zoom meetings. 

Learn more about the work of the Racial Audit Team.

Esther Rodriguez reflects on her experience as a member of MFSA’s Racial Audit Team.

Rev. Dr. Mary Kay Totty reflects on her experience as a member of MFSA’s Racial Audit Team.

Rev. Karen Nelson reflects on Martin Luther King Day