Sacred Conversations to End Racism

You are invited to participate in a contemplative retreat as we explore practical ways to have sacred and brave conversations towards ending racism. This retreat is for clergy and laity who hunger for a deep spiritual experience and who are interested in joining God in becoming agents of reconciliation.

We will engage with Biblical texts regarding equitable treatment of all God's people, and we will learn about the mythological construction of race and the reality of racism in America and in the church. The hardest step in the healing process is coming to the table. We will engage in real conversation, asking difficult questions-and hearing difficult answers.
​
This retreat will include prayer, study, worship, and fellowship. We will spend time each day in silence, written and spoken word, prayer, worship and community sharing.

Retreat Leaders

Claire Cox-Woodlief

Picture
Claire Cox-Woodlief is a native North Carolinian and resides in Apex with her spouse, David. After working for about 8 years with about 100 churches and becoming equipped in a variety of ways, God brought Claire to a place and time where she felt led to create CCW Transformation Ministries to respond to God’s call. She also serves as the co-director of the North Carolina Institute for Spiritual Direction and Formation. Claire likes to surround herself with people who are not afraid to learn, grow, and challenge the status quo. She says, "I have learned to practice and appreciate some of the spiritual disciplines I’ve been exposed to, most importantly spending time in silence with God as I strive to listen attentively. The Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Reconciliation work has become a clear call as I have developed authentic relationships with a growing number of people of color. These relationships have helped me gain a better understanding of how we are all formed by our cultural identities and life experiences." 

Latercha McKnight

Picture
Latercha and Claire have been working together since 2017 in creating spaces for racial healing to take place. Latercha is a thought-leader, harnessing her spiritual and scientific energy to educate and confront racist systems while simultaneously celebrating her Blackness. As a leading scientist in the corporate pharmaceutical world for the past 20+ years, she has no shortage of experience in navigating the intricacies required of being a black female within a white male dominated industry. Her gifts of speaking can also be attributed to her experience as a certified Lay Speaker in the Methodist Church. She is deeply involved in both speaking and community outreach on several different boards in the church community, and is often called upon as an expert at bridging these gaps within the community at large.
Latercha and Claire help secular and faith based organizations bridge intercultural communication gaps. To learn more, visit A Path to Racial Healing.

October 9-11, 2022

Participant Cost: $200

REGISTER BY SEPT. 9 TO SAVE $50 ($150 TOTAL PRICE)!

Event Information

  • Event begins with dinner on Sunday, October 9 and concludes with lunch on Tuesday, October 11. Check-in is in Groves Lodge between 3 and 5pm on Sunday.
  • Pricing includes two-nights stay (private hotel-style room with linens), six meals, and course tuition. Discount available for those willing to select or be assigned a roommate.
  • ​Register online, print and mail the registration form, or call to register at (814) 945-6512