An historic inauguration! What did you do? What will you do next?

What a marvelous, meaningful and momentous week we experienced as a nation celebrating the inauguration of the first racial/ethnic, first African American and first biracial U.S. president--indeed, the first president with international parentage. The historic occasion fittingly followed our celebation of the life and memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., our greatest leader in the nation's quest to achieve racial justice, equality and reconciliation for all. It was his oft-quoted dream, invoked during the 1963 March on Washington, that we saw fulfilled, at least in part, on this Inauguration Day.

These two men stood at opposite ends of the same national mall, nearly 45 years apart, voicing a call and response to one another, it might seem, in the rhythm of the black church. One challenged a conflicted nation to change its ways and create a society that could judge its people and yes, its leaders, "not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." The other answered that challenge, that dream deferred, by taking the oath to occupy the nation’s highest office.

We at GCORR want to know how you, your church or your community celebrated this combined, historic occasion. What special events did you organize or participate in, and how did they impact you and others who attended? Did you, your church or your community address concerns about racial justice, inclusiveness and reconciliation in dialogues, speeches or other special programs or activities? What were your thoughts and reactions to this national celebration? What will you do now and in the future, if anything, as a result of what you witnessed and felt?

Please share your feedback with us through this blog or you can use our e-mail address, news@gcorr.org. Please let us hear from you!

Oh, and if you 're searching for what to do next, we can offer some ideas for helping to fulfil Dr. King's dream of achieving racial justice, equality and reconciliation for all. Check out "15 ways you can respond to race," one of the articles in our special online journal "A conversation on race." And again, let us know what you think and what you're doing about race.

As our nation celebrates the tandem of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s memory and Barack Obama's inauguration as the first African American U.S. President, GCORR is offering many reflections on its Web site (www.gcorr.org), including a special online publication titled A Conversation on Race. Take a look and read some of the essays there. Let us know your reactions and viewpoints. We want to hear from you!
--John Coleman

Ways GCORR can serve you.

These are some of the ways that the GCORR can be of service to you:

• Provide consultation and training to your annual conference cabinet, leadership team, committees, districts, clusters of local churches, or other groups on pertinent topics, including: racial diversity, inclusiveness and Affirmative Action; cross-racial appointments; dismantling racism; multicultural leadership development and intercultural ministries; sharing church facilities interculturally; and ministry in racially changing communities.
• Help your conference, district or local churches develop Affirmative Action and racial inclusiveness policies and plans.
• Assess your annual conference for racial/ethnic inclusiveness and empowerment, and provide recommendations to develop and achieve goals in these areas.
• Provide assistance to your United Methodist-related college, university, seminary or theological school in understanding and planning for racial/ethnic diversity.

Our Vision: The General Commission on Religion and Race envisions a fully inclusive United Methodist Church, that is accountable and proactive in addressing racism, prejudice and divisiveness; where leadership, relationships and ministries are racially and culturally inclusive; and where all members strive, as disciples of Jesus Christ, to build God’s beloved community throughout the church and the world.

Our Mission: Following the example of Jesus Christ, the General Commission on Religion and Race is leading The United Methodist Church to eradicate the sins of racism, prejudice and divisiveness throughout the church and the world by healing and empowering people, and transforming institutions to create inclusive, multicultural relationships and ministries.

Learn about our work

The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is one of six general commissions of The United Methodist Church charged with addressing specific, focused areas of concern. Religion and Race was established in 1968 to challenge and help the denomination’s agencies, institutions, annual (regional) conferences and congregations achieve full, equal participation among its racial and ethnic minority constituencies in the total life and mission of the Church.

The Commission strives to accomplish this task through education and advocacy and by reviewing, monitoring and supporting The United Methodist Church’s efforts to ensure racial inclusiveness and foster racial justice and reconciliation.

Our office is located in The United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. Our General Secretary is Erin Hawkins.

The General Commission on Religion and Race works with United Methodists across in annual (regional) conferences the United States and with five racial/ethnic constituent groups (Asian/Pacific Islander, Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latino/a, Native American and White) to address their various concerns.