Amos Group
Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24
Quick links
The Amos Group was formed in mid-2020, as a part of CPC's mission and outreach, in response to the social unrest that intensified after the death of George Floyd in late May 2020.
The members of the Amos Group believe we are each called by God to stand up for people in God’s family -- people who have been harmed, intentionally or unintentionally, by systemic racism and by policies that have unfairly affected health and economic well-being and placed a ceiling on people’s advancement. The Amos Group is committed to help our church and our communities understand the history of racism and the laws, policies, and institutional barriers that are holding people back. In addition to seeking to understand and communicate the context and history of racism in our society, the Amos Group will help to facilitate conversations that recognize the role of White people in perpetuating those laws, policies, and barriers.
The Amos Group is committed to actively work on behalf of changes that will move our church, communities, and nation towards equity and justice for everyone. We are also committed to the hard work of identifying our own complicity in a system that privileges most of us – to do the self-examination that may identify our own racism, and to work to change ourselves.
In accordance with our statement of purpose and conviction -- “Following Christ, we stand against racism and strive for social justice” -- the Amos Group will work to accomplish its goals through study, conversation, advocacy and action.
Amos Group News
Updated 3/5/21
Afternoon Classes in March:
The first three Sundays in March, Dr. Reggie Williams from McCormick Seminary will lead one-hour classes at 4pm. March 7’s topic will be “The Vocabulary of Oppression.” On March 14, he will present “What Killed Bonhoeffer.” March 21’s topic will be determined by the participants’ response to the first two weeks. Please join us! The link for these classes will be in the Thursday Blast, the Sunday Bulletin or by emailing the office.
New webinars:
One of the webinars on our webpage is ongoing:
February 25-March 26
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Celebrating African-American Female composer & Beethoven
Please visit the webinar file for the link to register.
Self-study:
The Amos Group members are engaging as a group in a six-month study on White Privilege, delving into facts and feelings and how we have benefited from White Privilege. Look for our insights into what we are learning in the Thursday Blast each month.
Please send your ideas and your comments to Gregg Morton.
Amos Group Resources
The Amos group has gathered resources that include books, articles, movies, TED talks, and webinars. We hope that it stimulates your growth, as it is doing with ours.
We are always adding new resources, so keep checking the resources files!
Amos Group Adult Ed
Coming Soon:
Sundays, March 7, 14, 21
Amos Group presents Dr. Reggie Williams from McCormick Seminary
Let's Talk: Church, Faith and Race
Dr Williams, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at McCormick Theological Seminary, will lead us in conversation. Click here to learn more about Dr. Williams.
March 7
Vocabulary of oppression: Problems related to race and racial oppression seem to be greater in recent years than they have been in quite some time. The language we use to describe it doesn’t help. If diagnosis determines treatment, it matters that we describe what is happening in the clearest way possible. This session will help us to understand what is happening with the language to describe the problem with an accurate diagnosis that will help enable followers of Christ to think about, and enact, solutions.
March 14
What Killed Bonhoeffer?: in 1945, the famed theologian, pastor, activist Dietrich Bonhoeffer was killed by the Nazis for his part in a resistance movement in opposition to them. The Nazi regime prized Germans who looked just like him, yet he became a traitor, vehemently opposed to them. But it was more than the Nazis who were the problem; they espoused a modern iteration of an ideology that predated them. Indeed, the ideology is not gone, but is alive today, exists in the United States, and it was in apartheid South Africa. It is what animated the Nazi wish dream for an Aryan Nation, and it is what killed Dietrich Bonhoeffer. What was it? What killed Bonhoeffer? How can we see it and work to eradicate it from our midst, today?
If you missed the Fall 2020/Winter 2021 sessions, course materials and resources can be found below
Sunday, September 20, 2020
"Dialogue on Faith and Racism"
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Wilson from the Chicago Presbytery (bio here)
Participants will begin to consider the ways in which our Christian faith as Presbyterians informs our understanding of our Calling as the Church in relationship to systemic racism
Click here to watch a video for the session
Click here for lesson materials
Sunday, September 27
"Why Is It So Difficult to Talk About Racism; Racism 101"
Kris Veenbaas, Leader
Why Is It So Difficult to Talk About Racism: Participants will begin to consider the ways in which our Christian faith as Presbyterians informs our understanding of our Calling as the Church in relationship to systemic racism. Kris Veenbaas is facilitating this Sunday's discussion on "Racism 101" and "Why it is so Difficult to talk about Racism?" Please come join us in the sanctuary or on Zoom. Reading the materials prior to the lesson is highly encouraged but is not required!
Why Is It so Difficult to Talk about Racism Handout
Sunday, October 4
"A History of Racism in the United States: 1492 – 1954 "
Amy Hall, Leader
How we are wrapped into our history even if we do not mean to be and are shaped by it?
History of Racism Part 1 Handout
History of Racism Part 2 Handout
Sunday, October 11
"A History of Racism in the United States: 1954-present"
Geoff Silver, Leader
How we are wrapped into our history even if we do not mean to be and are shaped by it?
History of Racism Part 3 Handout
History of Racism Part 4 Handout
Sunday, October 18 from 10:45-11:45 am
"White Privilege and the Implications for Our Segregated Church"
Gregg Morton, Leader
What is White Privilege? We will work to unmask manifestations of white privilege in our everyday lives and discuss the impact of white privilege on people of color. Do Segregated Churches Imply Racism? Consider which is the call for the body of Christ – segregated worship or fully integrated worship
Reading Material:
"Do Segregated Churches Imply Racism?"
"White Privilege" Slide Presentation (handout version)
"Do Segregated Churches Imply Racism" Slide Presentation (handout version)
Sunday, January 17, 2021
10:45 am
"Is Affirmative Action Still Needed"
Leader: Gregg Morton
In this session, we will discuss
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What is Affirmative Action
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How does it work?
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Pros and cons of continuing the program
Reading Material:
"Is Affirmative Action Still Needed?" Handout
"Is Affirmative Action Still Needed?" Powerpoint slide show
Sunday, January 24, 2021
10:45 am
"The Bible and Racism"
Leader: Amy Hall
Reading Material: