Leaders of Religion and Race should invest some time in reading, discussing and responding to “A Conversation on Race,” our collection of dynamic essays on race and transformation in America. This special feature on our Web site was prompted by Barack Obama’s historic election and inauguration as the first African American U.S. president.

 Seven brief, thought-provoking personal essays and three additional articles express celebration, concern and confidence that we are on the threshold of needed change in American society. The authors call upon our church to manifest that change as well.

“Who are we now?” asks GCORR’s board president Bishop Linda Lee, as she views dramatic shifts in our multiple identities as a divided nation. “We are the possibility of a new world being birthed,” she proposes, while challenging the church to lead the way in the quest for racial justice and inclusiveness for all.

Three other bishops, along with GCORR General Secretary Erin Hawkins and two additional GCORR board members, all echo that hopeful challenge to our church and culture from their own profound perspectives. Another article offers excerpts of more essays from the “Conversation on Race” series that we ran on our Web site before and after Election Day 2008.

We urge you to read these essays, share them with your family, friends, church and commission members, and others in your conference. E-mail us or visit our blog to tell us what you think. Get a discussion started online or face-to-face to explore different viewpoints and ways to respond to what you’ve read. Write and send a commentary to your conference communications director or news editor to place in the conference Web site or news publication.

Finally, read and experiment with some of the ideas offered in the final article, “15 Ways You Can Respond to Race and Racism.” Share them with your church or ministry group, your family, friends, coworkers and colleagues. Work with others to get an educational or advocacy project started. As the article suggests, “Try something new.” You might be surprised at the outcome. And please send us more creative ideas to recommend to others.