Background and summary
Pastor Kessinger’s May 28, 2020 email letter to the Redeemer community noted how the response to the May 25th death of George Floyd in Minnesota has raised the many issues of inequity experienced by people of color in this country. She offered the opportunity of a shared discussion of the ELCA’s social statement* entitled “Race, Ethnicity, and Culture” as a way to inform ourselves of the many issues involved and to identify ways in which we can be part of the solutions in areas where we have special interests.
During the remainder of 2020 about 25 people participated in ongoing Zoom discussion sessions. The group chose the name For Love of God and Neighbor: Anti-Racism Ministry Team. The name was changed to Racial Justice and Equity Ministry Team and in 2025 changed to Social Justice and Equity Ministry Team to better reflect the positive aspects of our work.
Social Justice and Equity Book Club
We are a ministry trying to educate ourselves and others about social justice and equity by having open and honest discussions about the books we read together. Our group consists of about a dozen members. We read about 50 -70 pages/ week and meet Monday nights 7:30 to 8:30 pm via Zoom.
The books that we read are put on our lending cart, in the church, making them available to the congregation to help others learn about justice and equity. If you would like to read summaries of the books we have read or learn more, please click here.
Anyone is welcome to join us! Contact Teresa Schellenger, Group Chair, via the Church Office email.