Skip to Main Content

Workshop equips youth leaders to teach anti-racism

Posted: April 25 2024 at 06:28 AM
Author: Al Benson


Day Anti Racism 1 Cymk

Chicago and suburban church youth leaders gathered at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora on April 13 to explore laying the groundwork for friendships and alliances to fight racism.  

"Becoming the Beloved Community: Disciplining Anti-Racist Youth,"  a morning workshop, was presented by the Anti-Racism Task Force of the Northern Illinois Conference. It was developed specifically for leaders of youth based on the Becoming Beloved Community Workshop that is offered to churches.

Day Anti Racism 3 Cymk

Rev. Matthew Krings, pastor at Berry UMC in Chicago and a task force member, welcomed participants. He said the workshop aims to provide a deeply reflective and contemplative discernment about systemic racism and ways to address it.  

The workshop facilitator was Richard R. Guzman, professor emeritus at North Central College in Naperville and a member of the conference ARTF.  

“This workshop conveys facts and essential knowledge about race and racism,” Guzman said. “We seek to help participants experience some of the harm and hurt racial prejudice has caused.  

Day Anti Racism 2 Cymk

“The workshop emphasizes engagement, not confrontation. To make progress on race, we have to stay engaged, even with people we disagree with.” 

Trained facilitators led story sharing, helping people connect personally with presentations. Small-group discussions followed presentations. 

Guzman added that the program re-balances views of the personal vs. the systemic. “Though we talk about the harm personal racism causes, we also have to become aware of systems,” Guzman said. 

Relationships are paramount, he emphasized. Through friendships and alliances, people can unite to counter racism. The workshop is respectful while confronting hard issues. Guzman concluded. 

The program was launched by a pilot workshop for churches in 2021 at Friendship UMC in Bolingbrook. Other churches hosting the workshop are North Shore UMC, First UMC in Glencoe, First UMC in Elmhurst, and First UMC in Elgin. 

Part 2 of the workshop will be happening on May 18. All are welcome (no need to have attended part 1). Learn more

Learn more about the Becoming Beloved Community Workshop

News & Announcements

Quilt Presentation With Bishop

Quilt Presentation Celebrates Diversity and Creativity

At the 2025 Northern Illinois Annual Conference, the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force unveiled the Arts & Culture Quilt—a powerful symbol of unity, justice, and cultural pride.…

Budget Presentation Kim And David

Conference Council on Finance and Administration – Updates from Annual Conference

Members of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference approved the 2026 conference budget and a simplified apportionment formula during their Jun…

Oma Banner03

2025 One Matters Award Winners

The Northern Illinois Conference recognized five churches with One Matters Awards. The United Methodist Church’s Discipleship Ministries created this award in 2015 to encourage congregations that…

Derick Mckinney W8kl19hcrya Unsplash

Help for International Garrett Students

As we continue to look for ways to support international students, the Immigration Team of the NIC Conference Commission on Religion and Race has been presented with an urgent need.

Print