Ecumenical/Interreligious Retreat

The 17th Annual Church of the Palms Marshall Esty Ecumenical/Interreligious Retreat: September 7 – 10, 2021 at Chapel Rock Conference Center, Prescott, Arizona

Solidarity — Antiracism Training with Rev. Joan Crawford

African-American culture is distinctively different from European American culture. This reality, along with a truncated version of American history, as well as a lack of truth-telling, has led to varying perspectives on race and racism among Black and White people in this country. In this workshop, participants will learn the “truths” that highlight these differences and, as such, help White folk avoid making false assumptions and unintentional microaggressions towards African Americans – especially when both communities come together to address racial injustice.

Central to the discussion is the spiritual call to be in right-relationship with God and all of God’s creation. Thus, guided by faith and framed by personal experience, participants will be encouraged to engage spiritually and emotionally as they connect newly informed historical and cultural insights to anti-racism efforts.

The Retreat includes 3 nights lodging, 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts, and 2 lunches in the cool pines of Prescott. The surroundings are beautiful, and the food is fantastic!

The Reverend Joan Crawford is a Spiritual Director, Deacon and Benedictine Oblate. Joan has an ecumenical background and inclusive vision. She received a Master of Theology from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard, Illinois and a Certificate in Spiritual Guidance from the Siena Dominican Center in Racine, Wisconsin. Her ministry now includes workshops to promote interracial healing and dialogue. Joan brings spiritual awareness, insightful humor, and tender seriousness to her presentation. Her candor, sensitivity, and deep listening will help instill the building blocks for better understanding between the African-American and Anglo-American communities.

Cost of the Retreat is $295 per person (double occupancy). Single occupancy rooms are available at $385 (limited availability). Additional information, including the retreat schedule, is available in the church office. You may also request this information be emailed to you. Ask the pastoral staff about scholarships.

For more information contact John Durbin at [email protected].

(attn Southwest Conference clergy: This retreat can count for the racial justice requirement for active ministerial standing, by submitting to the Associate Conference Minister a certificate of completion.)