Spirituality & Race: A Conversation

Program Details

We live in confusing times with a global health pandemic and now a growing national awareness of racial injustice. With the flurry of protests in support of "Black Lives Matter," activism is moving to the forefront. But a question emerges for people of faith: What is the spiritual foundation regarding race?

The Christian faith is grounded on the theological tenet that "the Word became flesh." This is the "incarnation." Christianity is thus an embodied spirituality, with our race a part of our creation as human beings.

Join us for a day to reflect on the spirituality of race and how this impacts our faith as Christ-followers today. This mini online retreat will include times of short presentations, personal reflection, and group sharing, as we create a safe space to explore our deepest convictions about how we relate to those whose skin color and culture are different than our own.

There are no easy answers, but we all need sacred space with others to reflect on the tough questions of spirituality and race in our society today. Please join us.

THE AUGUST 5 SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE CONSIDER REGISTERING FOR THE SEPTEMBER 2ND SESSION. ALL REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED FOR 8/5 WILL AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFER TO 9/2. THANK YOU.

This online event is offered at NO CHARGE. However, all non-COVID-19 donations received for this event will be given to the New England Conference Commission on Religion and Race.

REGISTRATION is required, and a ZOOM meeting ID will be emailed to you upon registration.

About the Leaders

Lawrence Jay

As Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. In addition to working with staff to ensure an outstanding guest experience, he collaborates with retreat leaders to deliver exceptional programming and is available to speak about the ongoing ministry and historic mission of Rolling Ridge as a place of rest, retreat, and transformation. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs and was interviewed about his ministry on Dan Lee's podcast. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with our True Self, nature, God, and all people.