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Ministry for

Racial Reconciliation and Healing

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18

What is MRRH? (pronounced “myrrh”)

In 2020, VPC’s Session was moved to respond to the sin of racism.  As a result of that discussion, Session approved the statement of race (link below) created the Ministry for Racial Reconciliation (MRRH).

The purpose of this ministry is to encourage and facilitate awareness, conversations, and actions as they relate to the desire and intent to promote togetherness and healing in response to the sins of racism. We will take actions of inclusion that will embrace diverse perspectives and participants. We will through positive statements of support, and by means of practical, creative, innovative and achievable ideals, with validation, guide the observer and the opposer alike into accountability and stewardship where peace and healing are significant paths to a stronger cohesive culture for all. We seek to glorify God, edify the church, and bless all people with love, equity, and truth. We are humbled, focused, determined, and proud to be a part of this humane effort in the service and example of our Lord. He really does have the whole world in his hands!

What Does MRRH do?

The ministry is about expressing God’s love for all people through the actions we take. Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.  (1 John 3:18)

There are three main areas of action we address:

OutreachConnecting with other churches and communities to build relationships and empathy with communities of color. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

Inreach – Looking at how VPC does things, both as an organization as well as a community to be welcoming and inclusive of all people. This includes looking at processes, habits, and culture to accept all those the Father brings to our church. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (John 6:37)

Education – Providing resources and sponsoring events that broaden our understanding issues of race in our church, community, country, and world. Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance. (Proverbs 1:5)

Activities and Events

  • Perspectives, formerly Christ and Culture, Sunday mornings at 10:10am. Zoom Link

Resources

Click here for a list of helpful resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that the topic of race can be challenging and there are many questions people have. We’ve provided a list of answers to questions we are frequently asked.

Get Involved

If you have questions about MRRH or would like to get involved, please email us at mrrh@viennapres.org.

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