Talking in Circles: Turning Reflection into Action

By Cody C. Robinson with Bener Baysa Agtarap

At the May 2026 gathering of the Antiracism Discipleship Connective, I (Cody) had the honor of facilitating our conversation.

In a session titled “What Have You Learned and How Have You Changed?” I asked our connective to reflect on five works from throughout the year: (1) the video A Look at the History of Racism presented by Amania Drane at our first gathering on May 1, 2025; (2) an article summarizing my presentation for our June 12, 2025, gathering titled “Embracing Indigenous Spirituality”; (3) a video resource for our conversation on August 7, 2025, offered by Claire Cox-Woodlief titled Cultural Competence vs. Cultural Humility; (4) a document published by the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry shared by Dr. Mark Davies at our September 4, 2025, discussion, What It Means to be Relatedto a United Methodist Church with Education in Its DNA; (5) and a short video provided by Michael Pope for our April 6, 2026, gathering titled “What Young People Want from the Church.”

Turning a New Leaf

In our previous sessions, our time together took the form of a lecture or workshop. We would listen to and learn from a presenter about various aspects of antiracism practices or receive information about concepts that inform how racism “works” and influences everyday life.

In the May gathering, however, we invited participants to engage in a roundtable discussion, a talking circle. We asked our discussion partners how a resource transformed their perceptions. We created a space where folks could share their questions and experiences, learning together without shame and with vulnerability.

Although many past participants joined us, the new faces and new voices cultivated a space where the Holy Spirit moved and dwelled among us.

Nurturing the Seed

Guided by presentations from previous months, we shared our experiences of institutional racism through our “social locations.” By taking inventory of who we were in the context of our culture, associations, and relationships, we opened channels for a deeper understanding of our place within the social fabric of the church, workplaces, and communities.

In this space of self-discovery, many were challenged to accept responsibility for the roles they play in the system of racism and were invited to work through taking ownership of those roles.

Participants were also able to share how institutional and social racism affected them. Because we offered a safe space, they were able to talk about what others could have done better to support, defend, and empower them. Through sharing our experiences and expertise, we gained a brief glimpse of the beloved community.

At the end of our time together, Dr. Agtarap reminded us that antiracist discipleship is a lifelong process. If we are to embody and live as Christ lives, we must determine how to transform the hearts and minds of those harmed by racism and also those who perpetuate these cycles of harm.

This reminder challenged us to move beyond reflection into intentional daily practice. Conversations and learning circles matter, but transformation deepens when we begin living differently in our relationships, churches, workplaces, and communities.

As we continue this journey together, here are a few practical ways to nurture the work of antiracist discipleship in daily life:

Practicing Holy Listening

One important step is learning to listen deeply to the stories and experiences of others, especially those whose racial, cultural, or social realities differ from our own. Listening with humility instead of defensiveness helps cultivate empathy, trust, and understanding. This kind of listening is a spiritual practice—one that reflects Christ’s compassion and openness toward others.

Examining Our Habits and Systems

Our conversation reminded us that racism is not only personal but also institutional and cultural. This invites us to regularly examine our assumptions, language, leadership practices, traditions, and systems. We must ask ourselves: “Who may feel unseen or unheard in our spaces? Who has access to leadership, belonging, and opportunity?” Antiracist discipleship calls us to engage these questions courageously with honesty and grace.

Turning Reflection into Action

Finally, learning becomes meaningful when it shapes how we live. Small but intentional acts—speaking up against harmful stereotypes, mentoring younger leaders, building friendships across cultures, supporting diverse voices, or advocating for justice—become ways we participate in God’s healing work. These actions may seem simple, but practiced consistently, they help nurture the beloved community we glimpsed together in our circle.

The work of antiracist discipleship continues long after the session ends. It is ongoing spiritual formation—learning, unlearning, listening, acting, and growing together as followers of Christ who seek to love more faithfully and live more justly in the world.

We invite you to stay connected with the Antiracism Discipleship Task Force to receive updates on upcoming events, resources, and ways to get involved.

For additional inquiries, contact Bener Baysa Agtarap at [email protected]