In 1968, the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) was formed to hold the newly formed United Methodist Church accountable in its commitment to reject the sin of racism in every aspect of the life of the church.

The purpose and responsibility of GCORR as stated in the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church are as follows:

¶ 2002. Purpose— The purpose of the General Commission on Religion and Race shall be to challenge, lead and equip the people of The United Methodist Church to become interculturally competent, to ensure institutional equity and to facilitate vital conversations about religion, race, and culture.

¶ 2008. Responsibilities— The General Commission shall equip, hold accountable and partner with the Council of Bishops, jurisdictions, central conferences, annual conferences, local churches, general agencies and other connectional structures of The United Methodist Church and shall assume responsibilities for such matters as:

1. Empowering visible and prophetic leadership at every level of the Global Church with regards to race, ethnicity and culture.
2. Providing training, resources and consultation at all levels of the Global Church in order to:
   1. Increase interculturally competent leaders who can engage in ministries that promote intentional diversity at every level of the church.
   1. Expand contextually relevant local church ministry in order to reach more people, younger people and more diverse people.
   1. Promote anti-racism efforts and challenge issues of privilege.
   1. Work with cabinets, local churches and Boards of Ordained Ministry to develop and support cross-racial/cross-cultural and multicultural ministries.
   1. Engage in vital conversations about the realities of race and culture in local and global contexts through consultations, research, reports and annual conference training.
3. Identifying and responding to global racism, ethnocentrism, and tribalism in order for the Church to more effectively move its mission forward in a diverse and global society.
4. Administering the CORR (Commission on Religion and Race) Action Fund. The CORR Action Fund is established by the General Conference of The United Methodist Church for the empowerment of diversity, inclusion and racial justice work within and outside the Church. The fund:
   1. Is available through grants to congregations, connectional structures and other groups.
   1. Shall be administered by the General Commission on Religion and Race on behalf of The United Methodist Church. The General Commission shall be responsible for developing guidelines and policies regarding grants and for evaluation of projects receiving support.
5. Providing resources and consultations for just and equitable policies and processes at every level of the Global Church.

While racism remains their primary focus, their perspective reflect a broader context, which includes poverty, nationalism, tribal conflicts, gender discrimination, homophobia, disability and generational bias—because we know all forms of oppression are connected, and they cannot be dismantled in isolation.

GCORR works to realize the possibility of a world where every member of the human family can live, love, and express themselves in freedom and in peace.

In addition, GCORR is a resource for church leaders seeking to engage and embrace cultural diversity and anti-racism. Click here for resources including bible studies, worship plans and more.

Click here to learn more about GCORR.

Used from the Geneal Commission on Religion and Race