course »The Doctrine of Discovery: Exploring the Impact of Christianity on Colonization, Racism, and the Child Welfare System

Date: 5/5/2022, 9:15 am—4:45 pm
County: -Training Offerings
CEUs: 6
Location: DISTANCE LEARNING
Sponsor: A Better Way, Inc.
Phone: 510-601-0203
The Doctrine of Discovery issued by the Pope in 1493 supported European claims to the land of what we now call the United States. It advocated for the superiority of people on the basis of national origin or racial, religious, ethnic or cultural differences, As a result, Christian values and beliefs affect all aspects of our society, whether we are Christian or not. The impacts of the cultural values set in motion by the Doctrine of Discovery, such as purity culture, can be seen throughout society, including on the youth in the child welfare system. Understanding Christian hegemony and faith-based oppression (faithism) will help us to consider how we can better support and be in community with our colleagues, neighbors, and the youth we serve while dismantling our larger system of oppression and working to make change within the child welfare system. This interactive workshop will present basic frameworks of oppression and examine the history and historical function of religion in the US. Participants will reflect on their own experiences and examine their personal relationships to Christian hegemony as well as their socialization within a larger system of oppression and faithism. Attendees will also consider personal action steps we can take to interrupt systems of faithism and create a more equitable organizations, institutions, and communities.