May Connections
Becoming Reconciled Reconcilers
Fellow Sojourners,
This month, we wrapped up Let’s Talk About Race, and one phrase that stuck with me was “becoming reconciled reconcilers.” We didn’t spend much time discussing the idea, but it’s been on my mind ever since.
As we reconcile ourselves to Christ, we become more capable of reconciling with others. For me, this connects deeply to the covenants we make. When I take the sacrament, I often picture myself reaching up to God—and I imagine Him reaching back to me.
At the same time, I become aware of the people around me, all engaged in the same sacred ritual, reaching toward Christ alongside me. That image fills my heart. It reminds me that we are not only coming to Christ individually, but also striving to lift and reconcile with one another. That, to me, is the beauty of our covenants.
My hope is that as we continue to reach upward toward Christ in reconciliation with God, we will also reach outward—offering that same spirit of reconciliation to those around us.
2 Corinthians 5: 18
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
1. Conversation Groups:
Racial Reconciliation at the Dinner Table
In addition to in-person gatherings, we also offer an online discussion group for those who want to participate remotely.For May, the online group will be reading up to Phase 3 of Let’s Talk About Race and the Priesthood by W. Paul Reeve.
Participation in Let’s Talk About Race.
I hadn’t expected to have such a meaningful experience with this group, but was pleasantly surprised by the deep connection I felt with the interfaith group. One of the biggest highlights for me was how consistently everything was brought back to Christ.
While there were moments of discomfort and perspectives I didn’t always fully agree with, the shared focus on becoming more like Christ—and striving to do what He would have us do as we work toward greater unity in our faith communities—made all the difference.
Some of the language used echoed terminology associated with critical race theory, which may resonate differently depending on one’s background or preferences. But regardless of whether you embrace or struggle with that particular framework, the Christ-centered approach of this course anchored the conversations in a deeply meaningful way.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone seeking to bridge divides within the Church. It even featured one of my favorite scriptures on reconciliation through Christ: 2 Corinthians 5—a perfect reminder of the divine work we are called to in building unity.
Bridging Racial Divides with Empathy and Connection to begin in August.
This 8-week online course will integrate tools for managing emotions with faith-based discussions on racial reconciliation. Through our Bridging Circles, we work to create a sacred space for open dialogue, empathetic listening, and shared support within our faith community. Our goal is to equip one another to become effective bridge builders, fostering unity and understanding while acknowledging historical and personal narratives.2. Upcoming Online Education:
Sometime in May or June: My Cohort in crime, Stephanie Phillips is working on a discussion on the steps of Reconciliation. She refers to this as the CPR we need :)
We so appreciate all of our facilitators for the work they do in their communities and being willing to come be in discussions with us. If you desire to attend email me at rleavitt@inursecoach.com for more info.
3. Group Training:
James Jones' Anti-Racism: We are able to give free access to this for those in our circle.
4. Collaboration:
From La Sonya Luther:
“We are looking for Black youth, adults, and families to represent Pioneers in the Celebrate CB Parade and/or the Florence Days Parade. However, if others are interested in supporting acknowledgement of these Black Pioneers and would like to join in this walk in one of these parades, you are so welcome to join. Thank you!
La Sonya Luther, who organized the "Untold Stories of Black Pioneers" at Winter Quarters, has been asked to share their stories again in these two parades. Volunteers can dress as a pioneer and walk in the parade or if just desire to walk with us you are welcome, but please sign up so we have numbers to expect. You can sign up at this link”
The Descendants group will be attending this event and would love to see you there.
We also had the blessing of speaking with Alice Faulkner Burch, who edited My Lord, He Calls Me: Stories of Faith by Black American Latter-day Saints. We discussed the myths and realities surrounding the priesthood ban—an important and necessary conversation. I’ll be writing a full piece on it next month. In the meantime, I encourage you to watch her powerful discussion from the Dialogue Foundation event: “All Are Alike Unto God: Insights from the 1978 Revelation.