With the aim of promoting diversity and racial inclusiveness in all areas of the Church’s ministries, the United Methodist Book of Discipline calls for the existence of a Commission on Religion and Race in each annual conference. Paragraph 640.1 further affirms that "it shall follow the general guidelines and structure of the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) where applicable."

The mission of the Florida Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) is to ensure that racial inclusiveness exists at all levels in the conference’s ministries and missions. After a long period of inactivity, the Florida CCORR is being revitalized to fulfill that mission.

A team of lay and clergy members from different ethnic backgrounds has been nominated and elected to serve on the commission. Under the leadership of Dr. Arnett Smith of the St. Petersburg District, the team has been working tirelessly to identify activities that will fulfill CCORR’s mission. Since August 1999, the Florida CCORR has been facilitating racial sensitivity training seminars to promote and encourage diversity, not only in United Methodist boards, agencies and institutions, but in local congregations.

With the participation of training leader Constance Barnes from GCORR, training seminars on racial sensitivity and monitoring techniques were conducted for Florida’s commission members (August 1999 and March 2000). Two training sessions on racial sensitivity were also offered to the bishop’s cabinet.

Additional seminars geared toward pastors and lay persons are now being held in each of the conference’s 14 districts in response to a request from the bishop’s cabinet. As of the Dare to Share Jesus 2000 Florida Annual Conference Event May 30-June 2, training has taken place in Gainesville, Jacksonville, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Leesburg and Tallahassee. Training for the remaining eight districts is scheduled for the summer and fall of 2000 and early 2001.

With an increased awareness of barriers caused by racism and a deeper understanding of "white privilege," CCORR hopes the United Methodist Church in Florida can begin to embrace its diversity in every gathering and at every level. The Florida CCORR’s expectation is that participants to these events will share the information they receive with members of their congregations. The commission also plans to monitor sessions of the 2000 annual conference event and all the institutions and agencies in the Florida Conference.

The CCORR is not creating diversity. The Florida area is already one of the most diverse annual conferences in the United Methodist connection. As servants of the God who created this diverse world in which we live, we need to help make the gospel of Jesus Christ come alive for Florida Conference constituents from all backgrounds. With God’s help, let us strive to be truly and intentionally inclusive in our relationships and in our ministries.