Delegates to the General Synod 34 in Indianapolis approved a resolution July 4 calling on the United Church of Christ to study and develop reparations proposals for African Americans.  

The committee that considered the resolution of witness, originally submitted by the Indiana-Kentucky and Central Atlantic Conferences, recommended delegates approve a version that was amended to clarify language to make it more readable.  

Passion for reparations 

Jude Johnson, chair of the committee and a member of Pilgrim UCC in Carlsbad, Calif., talked about the passion within the committee for this resolution. He shared that committee members were provided historical context and examples of plans for reparations during Friday’s educational intensive, led by the Rev. Dietra Wise Baker, professor at Eden Theological Seminary. 

Johnson said that in addition to minor amendments for clarification, the committee also strengthened the commitment to action which calls on the UCC Board to form a task force to develop an advocacy toolkit for all settings to use in their communities.  

Delegates needed no time for debate. The resolution of witness, which requires a two-thirds vote to pass, received 609 votes for, 18 against and 4 abstentions.

The Rev. Diane Weible, a General Synod newsroom volunteer, is a former journalist and the owner of Enkei-Resolutions, a coaching and consulting business focused on supporting churches and ministers.

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