Reparations

The Reparations Task Force at Middle Collegiate Church is dedicated to justice and healing, inspired by the leadership of Rev. Jacqui Lewis. Meeting monthly, we focus on uncovering the church’s colonized history, developing actionable reparations recommendations based on our working definition, and strengthening partnerships with Black and Indigenous communities to support reparative justice initiatives. Together, we strive to transform our collective past into a foundation for equity and restoration.

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Defining reparations

The Middle Reparations Task Force has developed a definition of reparations inspired by the Movement for Black Lives Reparations Toolkit and the United Nations’ principles and guidelines for reparations:

The Middle Collegiate Church Reparations Task Force defines reparations as making amends for colonization and slavery perpetuated by white supremacist theology. We believe reparations must be pursued in relationship with the harmed communities, centering their voices and ensuring satisfaction with the reparative actions taken.

Reparative actions include, but are not limited to:

  • Acknowledging our church’s role in the colonization, slavery, and genocide of Black and Indigenous people.
  • Recognizing the ongoing harm caused by colonization and slavery and committing to ensuring these harms are not repeated.
  • Supporting Black and Indigenous organizations actively addressing these injustices.
  • Providing economic compensation to the harmed communities.
  • Dismantling modern-day racist systems through activism, anti-racist education, and systemic reform.
  • Engaging in spiritual and organizational self-examination and repentance.
  • Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery.


Through these actions, we aim to advance justice, healing, and restoration within our community and beyond.

Radical Truth Telling

Middle Collegiate Church and the Reparations Task Force are committed to uncovering and sharing the truth about our church’s historical involvement in slavery and colonization. We recognize the enduring need for reparations to address the harms inflicted on Black and Indigenous communities and how these harms continue to reverberate today.

Our efforts have included preaching about Middle’s history and the urgent call for reparations, as well as hosting listening circles to create space for our church community to reflect and envision what reparative actions might look like for Middle. Together, we strive to confront our past and build a future rooted in justice and accountability.

Get Involved and Learn More

For those starting on their own institutional or personal reparations journey, we have compiled a list of resources below that we have found helpful.

Please contact us at middlereparations@gmail.com if you would like to join the Middle Reparations Task Force or have any questions.

resources

The Middle Collegiate Church Reparations Task Force draws inspiration from the work of numerous scholars, activists, artists, and community members—especially Black and Indigenous voices. Below is a selection of key resources that have guided our efforts. While not exhaustive, we welcome your suggestions and recommendations at middlereparations@gmail.com.

REPARATIONS: WHAT? WHY? HOW?

Reading Material

CURRENT US REPARATIONS EFFORTS AND ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT

Current U.S. Reparations Efforts and Organizations to Support

These organizations and efforts are actively working to advance reparative justice across the United States.

FAITH COMMUNITIES AND REPARATIONS, RACIAL JUSTICE, RECONCILIATION

Faith Communities and Reparations, Racial Justice, and Reconciliation

These resources reflect how faith communities are confronting their historical roles in injustice and working toward reparations, racial justice, and reconciliation.

Middle Collegiate Church is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to organizations with 501(c)(3) status may be tax deductible.

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