Journey to Repair - Oak Grove Presbyterian Church

A 5-part video series following the story of a church community as they consider the historic harms their community and members are complicit in or benefited from and how to take action towards repair. Lifting up the voices of several leaders and members illustrates the many places people come to in this work and how a community might go from “0 to 1” in terms of considering and moving towards reparations.

Watch the full series, "Zero to One: A Congregation's Journey To Repair," here, or click on individual parts using links below.

1. Introduction: Rev. Jermaine Ross Allam, manager of the Center for Repair of Historic Harms, revisits a congregation he once served to learn about their multi-year process to discern their role in racial reparations. (Scripture: John 3:16)
2. Is Racial Justice Possible? Congregation members of Oak Grove Presbyterian Church and their partners in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies wrestle with injustice in the present and past and discuss what gives them hope. (Scripture: Galatians 3:28)
3. What is the racial wealth gap? Members of Oak Grove explain how they understand the racial wealth gap and how improving the investment capabilities of Indigenous and Afro-Americans is good financial policy overall. Ruling Elder Jim Koon introduces an economic analysis to better understand the racial wealth gap and the importance that financial investment can make to households and communities over time. (Scripture: Luke: 19:8)
4. How is faith part of repair? The pastor of Oak Grove considers how the congregation’s charitable work is good, but it doesn’t change systems that prolong injustice. Presbyterian leaders who also consult with the non-profit, Restorative Actions, consider how reparations is a Christian witness and consider what is possible through God because of reparations. Members of Oak Grove consider the idea of “surrender” and explore how the act of “surrender without strings” is a spiritual practice. (Scripture: John 3:16)
5. What is the future of repair? Several ruling elders listen to the next generation’s understanding of the role of the church in racial justice and decide to heed the call to repair historic harms. Learn how establishing two investment trusts is only the beginning for Oak Grove members. Discover the movement calling for reparations coming out of actions made by congregations and denominations, like the PC(USA)’s Center for Repair of Historic Harms. (Scripture: Acts 4:32-35)