Here is a Litany of Reconciliation crafted by the Rev. Chris Keene of Immanuel-on-the-Green in New Castle, Delaware. He prepared it for a Delaware Episcopal clergy Zoom meeting where white supremacy was the topic. Here it is as a congregational resource, and as a litany to pray when we gather.
In hope that the arc of history bends toward justice, we lift up our prayers for racial healing, saying: Bind us together, O God of love.
For the Church, that its prophetic voice may proclaim to all the challenge to break the hopeless cycles of poverty, ignorance, prejudice, and despair which degrade the sacred dignity of humankind, we pray:
For our country, that we might celebrate our racial diversity and the distinctive and rich contributions of every fiber of our cultural fabric, we pray:
For wise and decisive action on the part of local and national leaders, that the scandal of racism may be eradicated from our society, we pray:
For an end to the subtle racism of economic oppression which permeates our society’s structures and resides in many hearts, we pray:
For our faith communities, that they may not succumb to indifference or accept the status quo, but press on for fundamental change, we pray:
For the victims of racial discrimination, that they may be filled with hope for a more just future, healing from wounds received, courage to advocate for change and for peace, and the grace to overcome hated with love, we pray:
For those who work for racial justice, that they may be sustained in hope, empowered with courage, and filled with the grace to persevere in love, we pray:
Other intercessions may be offered here.
Our Father…
Closing Prayer
Jesus our brother, You revealed God through your wise words and loving deeds, and we encounter you still today in the faces of those whom society has pushed to the margins. Guide us, through the love you revealed, to establish the justice you proclaimed, that all peoples might dwell in harmony and peace, united by that one love that binds us to each other, and to you. Amen.
—The Rev. Christopher Keene, August 10, 2020
