What can we learn about our communities and ourselves as we examine the disparities between the Bungalow Heavens and Northwest Pasadena? Truth is, when we examine our city, we examine ourselves. Dr. David Leong argues that the very fabric of our most deeply held beliefs and values, including our cultural identities themselves, are intimately shaped by cul-de-sacs and grocery stores, parking lots and freeway overpasses, children and parks, and the lives of others we encounter there.
Theologian Willie Jennings plainly states that “Race is a matter of geography, and that we cannot overcome our racial dilemma until we get serious about the geographic formation and sustaining of racial identity…” within the structures of our society.
Reconcile Pasadena examines these questions and invites participants to communally develop tools that enable them to engage Pasadena’s racial and geographic history through a theological framework that uncovers the underpinnings of advocacy for the oppressed replete throughout Scripture.
The cohort’s aim is to empower and equip people with the tools to dismantle oppression through, the ongoing cycle of turning theory into practical engagement. Reconcile Pasadena strives to move away from the well worn goal of improved race relations that waddles in the sea of individual morality or personal responsibility, and toward addressing the structures of society that perpetuates racial disparities.
There will be three different pods: Education, Housing, and a Pastor’s Pod. Since this cohort is hyper-focused on the City of Pasadena, in order to participate you must live or work in Pasadena, Alta Dena, or Sierra Madre.
