Clergy and laity across the Greater Northwest Area are invited to attend the White Privilege Conference in Seattle next month, with some financial support available.
The White Privilege Conference is a national gathering designed for anyone committed to understanding and dismantling systems of oppression—across race, gender, class, ability, and more. Whether you are clergy or laity, new to this work or deeply engaged, WPC offers workshops, keynote speakers, and community spaces that meet you where you are and invite you to grow.
This year’s conference will be held in Seattle April 22-25, 2026, making it especially accessible for those in the GNW area. Participants include educators, faith leaders, healthcare professionals, organizers, and advocates — people who are actively working to create more just and equitable communities. There are sessions specifically relevant to ministry contexts, as well as broader learning that can be brought back to strengthen our congregations and leadership.
As part of the GNW shared commitment to intercultural competency and equity, Rev. Lisa Talbott, GNW assistant to the bishop for equity and intercultural competency, is inviting a cohort from the Area to attend together. To help make this possible, the GNW Area will cover 50% of the registration cost for the first 10 people who sign up. To express your interest in this partial scholarship or if you need additional financial support, please contact Lisa Talbott at ltalbott@greaternw.org.
Rev. Dylan Hyun, changemaker and empowerment strategist for the Oregon-Idaho Conference, has attended The White Privilege Conference before and offers his own reflection on the experience:
“There are moments in ministry that act as a “holy disruption”—a sudden clearing of the fog that allows us to see exactly where we are and how far we have to go. My journey to this realization began when I started following the work of Debby Irving; reading her book, Waking Up White, challenged my perspective and eventually led me to the White Privilege Conference (WPC).
Confronting My Own Blind Spots
The WPC excels at breaking down the complex intersectionality of power. For me, it was a profound “eye-opening” experience to realize that privilege is not a binary.
As a person of color, I initially walked into the conference expecting to focus on the external systems impacting my community. Instead, I walked out with a transformed heart and a much deeper realization of the biases and privileges I hadn’t recognized within myself. It challenged me to look honestly at the hidden advantages I carry through my education, gender, and professional role. I realized that even the systems I want to change are often supported by the very privileges I hold. Facing my own biases didn’t take away from my lived experience; if anything, it made me a much more authentic advocate for true equity. It taught me a vital lesson: we can’t really dismantle the systems of oppression out in the world if we aren’t willing to confront the “internalized” versions of those same systems living inside our own hearts.
A Cloud of Witnesses: Finding the “Striving” Allies
One of the most encouraging parts of the conference was seeing the sheer scale of the movement. In the daily grind of ministry or non-profit work, it can feel like you are a lone voice. At WPC, I was surrounded by a massive “cloud of witnesses.” I met people who are struggling, striving, and earnestly working toward equity from all walks of life—medical professionals, leaders in government agencies, and executives from major corporations. Seeing so many allies who are not just “performative” but are doing the messy, difficult work of systemic change was deeply encouraging. It serves as a powerful reminder that we are part of a massive, global effort to reflect the Kin-dom of God on earth.
A Mirror to Our Denomination: The Work Ahead
Perhaps the most sobering takeaway was realizing just how far behind the Church remains. While I saw innovative equity frameworks being successfully implemented in schools, hospitals, and the corporate world, it became painfully clear that within the United Methodist Church, we are often still standing at the starting line.
We share a rich history of social holiness, yet we have so much work to do to translate those values into modern, equitable systems. From the way we structure leadership to how we handle conflict and disruptive behavior in gatherings; we are too often relying on outdated models. Our denominational focus, M.I.L.E. makes it clear: we must renew our efforts to eliminate racism and stop relying on “good intentions” if we want to build a truly inclusive future.
Why You Should Join Me
This isn’t just another conference; it’s a catalyst for real change. I truly encourage you to attend the next WPC so you can:
- Find your people: Connect with a network of peers who will keep you going when the slow pace of institutional change feels draining.
- Check your blind spots: Uncover the hidden privileges we all carry so you can lead with more nuance and humility.
- Close the gap: Help move our denomination from where we are now toward the equitable future we say we want.
At the end of the day, equity isn’t some “side project” of the gospel — it is the gospel in action. Let’s show up, learn together, and bring these insights home to transform our pews, our policies, and our hearts.”
