"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Heart of Reconciliation

Reconciliation is one of the core principles of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), representing not just a spiritual ideal but a practical framework for healing the divisions that fracture our communities. At its essence, the CCDA principle of reconciliation recognizes that the brokenness in our neighborhoods often stems from deep historical wounds across racial, cultural, and economic lines.

True reconciliation involves three critical dimensions:

• Reconciliation with God - Recognizing our need for restoration with our Creator
• Reconciliation with others - Building authentic relationships across dividing lines
• Reconciliation with place - Committing to the flourishing of our local communities

Dr. John Perkins, CCDA co-founder, often reminds us that reconciliation isn't merely about peaceful coexistence but about creating beloved community through the difficult work of truth-telling, repentance, justice, and healing.

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and a Call to Action

As we approach Juneteenth (June 19th), we're reminded of both how far we've come and how far we still need to go in America's reconciliation journey. This holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally received the news about their emancipation—a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

This historical delay speaks volumes about the persistent gap between declared freedom and lived reality. Even today, many communities continue to experience the ongoing effects of systemic inequality that can be traced back to the transatlantic slave trade into the Americas.

Local Film Showings: Creating Space for Truth and Transformation

A local grassroots group called the Community Learning Collaborative (CLC) has hosted a special series of four film showings to commemorate Juneteenth and engage our community in meaningful conversations about reconciliation. During these showings of Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom, the planning team has done our best to involve diverse voices at the table and ensure that people had time and space to process their learning with others.

Below is a photo of our most well-attended Juneteenth Film Showing in January 2024, when a panel of local experts shared their thoughts after watching the film with over 80 attendees. A special thank you to Impact Church of Hope for hosting this event, as well as Stephanie Shavers, who facilitated the panel discussion!

Our Daily Bread Ministries also offers a 10-day "Freedom For All" devotional booklet based on the film, which we offered for free after these film showings.

Putting Reconciliation into Practice

These film showings aren't just about passive learning—they're about active engagement with the principle of Reconciliation that guides our community work. As we gather, we invite participants to:

1. Listen deeply to stories and perspectives that may differ from their own
2. Lament together over historical and ongoing injustices
3. Learn about concrete ways to advance reconciliation in our community

Join the Journey

Reconciliation is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. We invite you to join us for a future Community Learning Collaborative event as one step in that ongoing process. The CLC is offering a fifth showing of "Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom" by Our Daily Bread Ministries on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 at Impact Church of Hope after their monthly community meal. Check out more details in the flyer below!

Whether you've been part of reconciliation work for decades or are just beginning to explore these ideas, there's a place for you at the table.

Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity is committed to practicing the principles of Christian Community Development, including reconciliation, redistribution, and relocation, as we seek the peace and prosperity of our neighborhoods. Learn more about our work towards neighborhood flourishing at: Focus Neighborhoods | Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity.