On Saturday, July 12, 2025, more than 50 United Methodists from across our East and West Ohio Conferences – along with community partners – participated in a full-day pilgrimage to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. Organized by the Multicultural Ministries Office of both Conferences, this wasmuch more than a simple museum visit. It was an act of collective remembrance, a journey of faith, and a public declaration that the Church must reckon with the past to be faithful in the present.

This event was rooted in our shared Anti-Racism Strategy, specifically the first pillar: Re-telling. In the face of whitewashed textbooks, banned books, and sanitized histories, the Church must have the courage to speak the truth. Re-telling is about lifting-up the stories of enslaved people and freedom seekers, but also confronting how systems – economic, political, theological – have long been complicit in racial injustice. This pilgrimage was a sacred step in doing just that.

The bus trip began early in the day, departing from Medina United Methodist Church and stopping in Worthington to pick-up participants at the West Ohio Conference office. Along the way, snacks and sack lunches were provided thanks to Wellington UMC. The destination was the Freedom Center, a space that tells the story of slavery in America and the fight for liberation through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and powerful narrative interpretation.

Participants came from congregations across Ohio, as well as groups like Racial Equity Buddies and Sisters Embracing Oneness (SEO). The event was intentionally intergenerational, with pricing structured to attendance by youth and college students at the suggestion of Wellington UMC Youth Pastor Katie Woods. Participants of all ages explored the museum halls, absorbed the history, and reflected together in community.

“When Will first told me that he was planning a trip to the Underground Railroad Museum and Freedom Center, I knew I had to go – and I had to invite my Sisters Embracing Oneness group too,” said Betty Anderson, a SEO member. “We’re a Jesus-loving, racial-justice-seeking, intelligent, diverse and inclusive cadre of Black and white sisters. This trip was organized and thoughtful. Dr. Miller’s facilitation helped bring both the facts and the emotional weight of this history to life. The tapestry in the main hall especially struck me: that one woman would fill that fabric with her story for the benefit of us all. Even though much of the information wasn’t new to me, I was reminded how important it is to keep this history real and fresh in our minds.”

The tour and post-visit debrief were led by Christopher Miller, a nationally respected public historian with over two decades of experience curating history for transformation. His work at the African American Museum in Philadelphia and as senior director at the Freedom Center has made him a trusted voice in public memory, equity, and justice. Miller guided the group through key exhibits and then facilitated a powerful community dialogue at New Vision UMC, a historic Black congregation that hosted the group for a catered dinner.

One of the day’s most impactful experiences was the special exhibit titled Faith & (in)Justice. Running through December 2025, the exhibit explores how religious traditions – particularly Christianity, Judaism, and Islam – have shaped America’s understanding of justice and injustice. The exhibit does not shy away from the contradictions: scripture used to justify enslavement, clergy who marched for justice, congregations that resisted desegregation, and believers who chose courageous compassion.

Tammy Palmero, pastor of Children & Family Ministries at Mentor UMC, reflected:
“After viewing the Faith & (in)Justice exhibit, my Deacon heart was bursting. I appreciated it deeply from my vocational lens – serving the world through compassion and justice. I only wish there was a book of the exhibit to share with others. There’s so much division in our country right now, and I’m doing all I can to help people see how important it is that we love God and love one another as we love ourselves.”

Indeed, the tension between faith and complicity was a recurring theme throughout the day. The Church has not only been absent from justice work – it has often stood in the way. But the Underground Railroad reminds us of another tradition: the Underground Church – communities of faith who resisted unjust laws, offered shelter to freedom seekers, and lived as if the Gospel really meant liberation.

During the debrief after the visit Quentin Smith, from Racial Equity Buddies, said, “You see the I.C.E. raids. You see people trying to protect human beings who are only trying to live a decent, good life. As I’m looking at the Underground Railroad Museum it says to me, ‘What is my role today?’”

That question echoed across the circle at New Vision UMC – a sanctuary not just of worship, but of truth-telling and fellowship. Over plates of chicken, green beans, lemonade, and cheesecake, conversations unfolded about identity, resistance, solidarity, and the way forward. For many, it was a holy meal.

This pilgrimage was not a stand-alone event. It is part of a larger spiritual formation process across both East and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church – one that links Re-telling, Relationships, and Repair & Reinvestment. We cannot heal what we are unwilling to name. We cannot repair what we are unwilling to remember. And we cannot build Beloved community without forming disciples who are willing to walk together into hard places.

As we continue our anti-racism work, this trip stands as a reminder that truth is a spiritual discipline; that memory is a form of resistance; and that the Church must be willing to confront its past to be a credible witness in the present.

Learn more about the Faith & (in)Justice exhibit.

Connect with ongoing anti-racism work in the East Ohio Conference.

Connect with ongoing anti-racism work in the West Ohio Conference.

*Written by Will Fenton-Jones, director of Multicultural Ministries for the Ohio Episcopal Area consisting of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church.