490X - Healing the Divide: Building a Diverse and Welcoming Church Community

DREAMWeek 2025: 490X – Healing the Divide: Building a Diverse and Welcoming Church Community

This four-hour event centers around the theme of reconciliation, diversity, and forgiveness in the Christian church, aligning with DREAMWeek’s focus on “We Are Neighbor” and the spiritual thread of “Acceptance and Tolerance through Faith.” The event will serve as a safe space for community conversations on how Christian churches can embrace cultural diversity, heal historical and theological divisions, and foster racial reconciliation in line with biblical teachings.

Beginning with a powerful worship session, the event will feature two keynote speakers who will explore embracing diversity through faith and the transformative power of forgiveness in building unity. Two panel discussions, featuring a blend of pastors, mental health professionals, and community leaders, will tackle the intersection of mental health and spirituality and the role of churches in creating emotionally safe spaces for healing. Attendees will also engage in small group discussions, reflecting on church hurt and exploring ways to support marginalized communities.

In addition to these sessions, there will be musical interludes for reflection and group breakout sessions focused on forgiveness and reconciliation, including writing letters of forgiveness and symbolic healing acts. The event will culminate in a foot-washing ceremony, symbolizing humility, reconciliation, and emotional restoration, accompanied by various healing stations offering prayer, anointing, and symbolic release.

The event will close with a call to action for participants to continue fostering acceptance, unity, and healing within their churches and communities.