Demystifying and critiquing the church
Does the UCC have Bishops? Do you have policies to keep kids safe? What happens "behind the scenes" at communion? How do you put on that white priest collar thing? These are some of the questions viewers asked.
Colonial systems of power require hierarchies in which certain information is gate-kept. By revealing the inner workings of the church, we both empower viewers to better understand church systems AND we empower them to critique them and hold them accountable.
Production Notes
This video demonstrates the potential to use social media and short-form videos to critique the church itself.
The video questions the United Church of Christ's choice to hold our General Synod in Indiana in-person without hybrid options (I did contact the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thomspon to express my concerns to her directly first).
The video accomplishes a few things. First, it lets the audience know that at least in the UCC, feedback is welcomed. Second, it reminds them that clergy, including me, are fallible (I used the wrong name for the woman who would go on to become our General Minister and President)! It also reminds folks that while I may love the UCC, we are not "perfect" and still have considerable self-reflection and growth to do. In addition, it gives a window into UCC polity, which generated more questions and conversations for future videos.