December 14, 2010

The 2011 edition of the Episcopal Church's anti-racism training manual is now available for training sessions and educational purposes, according to a press release.

Intended to provide a "process for dismantling racism in the church and in society," the 254-page manual, "Seeing the Face of God in Each Other: The Antiracism Training Manual of the Episcopal Church" is available for download online at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/AntiRacism_Book-revise3.pdf.

"The anti-racism training manual is an invaluable tool for facilitating meaningful, committed training," said Andrew Kronenwetter, Episcopal Church intercultural missioner, in the release. "The manual provides the means for training that not only confronts the sin of racism but also allows for learning and methods of changing behavior."

The manual includes stated goals and expectations, guidelines for trainers, prayers, worship service suggestions, and was designed for use by dioceses in anti-racism training, according to the release.

"I believe the anti-racism training manual is a significant tool in the Episcopal Church's ongoing work to eliminate racism in our society and in our own church," said the Rev. John E. Kitagawa, chair of the Executive Council Committee on Anti-racism, in the release. "This manual is dedicated to the Rev. Jayne Oasin who was a significant and dedicated staff leader of our antiracism work for many years. With this manual, she leaves a powerful legacy that has the potential for advancing the cause of healing and justice for the diversity of God's people. May this manual help to empower people to do justice, love mercy and walk closely with God."

This fourth edition of the anti-racism training manual was revised by Oasin and edited by Kronenwetter, the release said.

The purpose of the anti-racism training manual "is to assist diocese in organizing to eliminate the sin of racism." To do so, three essential steps are needed: an anti-racism committee; the bishop's support; and a "comprehensive plan for proceeding with this ministry," according to the release.

The manual includes detailed suggestions about organizing training sessions and responsibilities of trainers and participants, which allow for a smoother implementation of the plan. It also includes expected outcomes, with a list of key elements that attendees should understand at the close of the training.

Episcopal News Service