Beloved Conversations is an online racial justice course.
Registration runs till February 26 for Beloved Conversations, an intense on-line self-paced course on anti-racism that runs mid-March through early-June 2021.
Beloved Conversations honors the 2019 dying wish of Leslie Edwards, friend of Rev. Bill Gupton and grandson of Rev. W.H.G. Carter, that Cincinnati UUs learn more about the history and dynamics of racial justice. The curriculum of Beloved Conversations is designed by The Fahs Collaborative at Meadville-Lombard Theological School specifically for Unitarian Universalists seeking to embody racial justice as a spiritual practice.
Participants will delve into the theme Within that focuses on the internal personal work each of us needs to do for effective racial justice work. An array of learning styles includes six individual “Lessons” using videos, music, readings, and reflection prompts, suggested conversations with a “Critical Friend” chosen by the participant, six bi-weekly small-group Zoom conversations in a “Learning Pod,” and four larger monthly “Meaning-Making Sessions” on Zoom.
By the end of the Within course, participants are clearer about their own racial identity and personal history in relationship to racial justice. Three members from First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, all white persons, took the Fall course and share their personal impressions on a 4-minute YouTube video at https://youtu.be/m8fb__KLkKA
Cost is a sliding scale of $250-350/person. Full and half scholarships are available from Meadville-Lombard Seminary by contacting them at:
Beloved Conversations registration closes on February 26. You can register for Beloved Conversations here: https://www.meadville.edu/fahs-collaborative/fahs-curriculum-catalogue/beloved-conversations/registration-details/
More information about Beloved Conversations can be found at https://bcvirtual.meadville.edu/p/home and at https://www.meadville.edu/fahs-collaborative/fahs-curriculum-catalogue/beloved-conversations/.
At least two members of Heritage Church are enrolled. To discuss participation with Heritage members, email Heritage Racial Justice Team at:
The complete Beloved Conversations package is a series of three courses. Following Within this Spring is Among in Fall 2021 about institutional systemic change needed in congregations. In Fall 2022, Beyond will explore how churches do effective external work with local community partners.
Posted 2/15/2021.