The Michigan Conference overwhelmingly passed legislation at the annual conference gathering in 2021 for Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism (ABAR) Education & Training. The curriculum, with its seven modules, is available at abar.michiganumc.org.
All persons serving under appointment or assignment in the Michigan Conference are required to complete a module each year. At least one module must be completed by December 31, 2024. A second module must be completed by December 31, 2025.
District Superintendent Dean Prentiss states, “ABAR work is essential to our shared life in Christ. This work gives us the tools and awareness to develop mindful relationships and helps us address bias and racism in the world, in the church, and in our lives. It takes work to build the Beloved Community. I believe this must be one of our priorities in the district.”
For those needing a dedicated time and space to begin an ABAR module or would like to work collectively with your colleagues, we are offering an ABAR Study Hall on Wednesday, November 20 from 9:00-12:00 OR 1:00-4:00 at the Wesley Foundation of Kalamazoo. Lunch will be available from 12:00-1:00.
Rev. Dr. April Gutierrez and Rev. Matt Weiler will be available to provide login assistance, tech support, and answer questions you may have. You can choose to work independently or in groups.
This is not a training session, but is intended to provide space to bring your computer, engage with the material online, and connect with others. It’s casual and meaningful. And what better place to study than at the Wesley Foundation!