Church community discusses anti-Black racism

Racism is defined as prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or people based on their membership in a particular racial group. It can manifest within political, economic, or legal institutions and systems, perpetuating discrimination based on race. This reality was affirmed by the United Nations World Conference Against Racism in 2001.

Various forms of racism exist, including broadly defined racism, as well as more specific instances like anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Asian racism, and casteism. These are all rooted in oppression and injustice and target different racial groups.

In the North American context, anti-Black racism exists within all institutions, including churches. It denies power, resources, and opportunities to Black people and is systemic, meaning there are societal patterns that disproportionately and negatively affect Black people globally. Racism remains a persistent and systemic issue, characterized as both explicit and implicit, and always stemming from power imbalances. Experiences of enslavement and colonization are particularly relevant to this discussion.