Mark your calendars and join Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and William B. Horne II, member of the ELCA Church Council, for a live webcast on the complexity and implications of racism Aug. 6 at 8 p.m. CDT (9 p.m. EDT).

Through its social statement – “Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture” – ELCA members have expressed this church’s calling to confront racism and advocate for justice and fairness for all people. The statement is grounded in the conviction that the church has been gathered together in the joyful freedom of the reign of God announced by and embodied in Jesus. That reign has not come in its fullness, but the message of God’s “yes” to the world breaks down all dividing walls as we live into that promise.

“Talking about race and racism is hard work for most of us,” says Horne. “Our Christian witness compels us to confront our sinfulness in all forms from within and outside of ourselves. It is more beneficial if we do it together.”

“God’s intention for all humanity is that we see the intrinsic worth, dignity and value of all people. Racism undermines the promise of community and fractures authentic relationships with one another. We need to talk and we need to listen, but we also need to act,” says Eaton.

For more information, including instructions for submitting questions for consideration during the webcast and a link to the live webcast, click here.  A live stream will also be available at www.Facebook.com/Lutherans.  Twitter hashtag is #ELCAConfrontRacism.