“Shalom is not for the many, while a few suffer; nor is it for the few while many suffer. It must be available for everyone.”

—Author/speaker and Cherokee descendent Randy Woodley

Heritage months remind us that, according to Revelation 7:9, our stories matter to God. Every culture, people group, ethnos, has unique insights that are meant to be a gift of new perspective for every other group. Thus, to be the people of God called to live with one another in shalom is to learn to inhabit each other’s stories, by embracing one another’s joys and pains. This is the path to deep reconciliation that God has in mind for all His children.

Learn about the work of C4SO’s Revelation 7:9 Task Force.

A Prayer for Native American Heritage Month

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: Strengthen and protect those affected by this conflict, and so mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Photo credit: History.com

Did You Know?

  • There were already 50 million Indigenous peoples living on the land Christopher Columbus “discovered.”
  • Indigenous peoples represent more than 600 tribal nations and 175 languages across the United States.
  • Between 1830 and 1850, about 60,000 Native American people were forced out of their homes due to President Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act. You can walk portions of the Trail of Tears in Missouri.
  • The first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May 1916 by the governor of New York.

Learn more.

Read With the Rev. 7:9 Task Force.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month in November, the Rev. 7:9 Task Force for Racial Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a book study on Shalom and the Community of Creation by Randy Woodley. The study will meet Tuesdays in November at 1 pm CST (11/7, 11/14, 11/28 on Zoom). The Rev. Sandy Richter and the Rev. Dr. Jin Cho will facilitate the conversation.

Sign up for the study.