In 1969, James Forman challenged the white Church and Synagogue to account for their roles in the undergirding and propagation of racism in the US and to pay $500 million in reparations as an act of healing and atonement. Some engaged the challenge, most did not. Over fifty years later, the presence and power of racism is unquestionable- and many are re-engaging Forman's demand. This time, the work is in a post-Standing Rock context, one which understands that reparations must include attempted indigenous genocide and land theft.

This project will explore the question of how historically white congregations can do the work. What models already exist? How does the work differ for individual members, for congregations looking at internal policies, and for congregations and denominations looking to embody reparations in the larger society? What difference does geography, local history, and local, state and federal policy make? How can historically white congregations do the work in ways that are accountable to Black and indigenous communities without further harming those communities?

I will interview and consult with those congregations and organizations who are already experimenting with these questions, including colleagues in MARCH (Multifaith Anti-Racism, Change and Healing) and their twenty-one congregational graduates of their Dismantling White Supremacy program; The Minnesota Council of Churches and their Truth and Reparations Process; Columbus Mennonite Church and their congregational reparations budget line-item; and SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) which has a robust congregational program and others.

Based on these interviews and consultations, I will:

1. Suggest theological, spiritual, relational and material questions for congregations,
2. Propose steps and processes that historically white congregations can engage in order to do reparations work,
3. Offer organizing and movement-building strategies in order to bring reparations work to scale.