A Pastoral Letter on Racism from United Church of Christ leaders highlights resources now online for use by local churches beginning their Sacred Conversations on Race.

Calling the church to prayerful discussion, the Pastoral Letter was released April 25 by the UCC's Collegium of Officers. It is a centerpiece document that will assist UCC congregations and others who are responding to a churchwide call to begin a "Sacred Conversation on Race," starting on Trinity Sunday, May 18, a day when many UCC pastors will preach on the issue of race in America.

"Racism remains a wound at the heart of our nation, a wound that cannot be wished away or treated carelessly," reads the letter in part. "In this sacred conversation, we seek to engage one another in a deep and sustained dialogue that may be uncomfortable at times but is absolutely necessary if our nation is to find genuine healing of its past and present sins. Not only the health of our nation is at stake, but also truth-telling and racial reconciliation are crucial to our spiritual, physical, and emotional wholeness."

Also online at ucc.org/sacred-conversation are lectionary and worship resources, including a hymn, "Sacred Conversation," by Jim Ahrend.

"These resources will help congregations make a thoughtful and prayerful beginning in their sacred conversations on race," said the Rev. J. Bennett Guess, UCC director of communications. "What's online now is just the beginning. We will continue adding resources as they become available, with most resources posted by May 2."

In addition, pastors are encouraged to contribute to the UCC blog. Sermon seeds, biblical reflections, and preaching manuscripts should be sent to the Rev. Chuck Currie, blog editor, at chuck.currie@parkroseucc.org.