Many people view an exploration of race as something irrelevant to them as Vermonters with the state’s relatively homogeneous population.  Issues of race can seem far away.  But whether we are aware of it or not, these issues do impact us directly.  And we can begin heal our relationships, but it will take work.    Having started the effort, the Outreach Committee knows that diving into racial reconciliation is often fraught and difficult but crucial to our spiritual health.

The first step in Trinity’s Racial Reconciliation effort is to acknowledge the experiences, frustrations, pain, and feelings of people of color.  This will not always be a fun endeavor, but it is a necessary one.  Our work starts with Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehasi Coates.  Hopkins Book Store has copies for sale at a reduced price.  If you prefer to listen to the book, it is available on Audible and is read by the author.  There will be a book discussion in early fall.

In addition to the book, we have several articles we suggest you read.  Many are also on the Diocesan reading list.  Links to them are below.  We have also put hard copies in our Racial Reconciliation Lending Library, in the Cloister.

The Outreach Committee would very much welcome your take on this effort and/or any of the readings below.  We plan on putting up a tri-fold board in the McClure Room specific to parishioners reactions to Ta-Nahisi Coates, but welcome your thoughts, comments, and reactions on related readings as well.