The Equity Task Force was established for one year to explore opportunities at SOTV for increasing equity and inclusion in our ministry. They first learned together, then were tasked with considering recommendations for SOTV’s ministry areas. Several members wrote recommendations that were considered by the whole group. One recommendation (to go through the process of becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation) was approved this past summer so church leadership can better learn the congregation’s feelings toward equity initiatives and apply those learnings to other recommendations from the task force. 10 other recommendations were submitted, plus several ideas that did not turn into recommendations.
At the March 2022 Council meeting, the Council approved a new leadership team to continue to consider and implement initiatives that help improve equity, diversity, and inclusion at SOTV. We’re seeking members now for this team; find the application at sotv.org/teams.
We are grateful for the work these team members contributed: Pastor Randy Brandt, Emily Feld, Randal Hemmerlin, Erin Morris, Marc Raymond, Zachary Rider, Kari Slotten, Sofia Troutman, Rachel Wermerskirchen, and Anna Zimmermann.