Documentary 'Religion, Racism and Reconciliation' screening, then panel discussion tonight

Wire Staff

February 26, 2025

A screening of a film produced by two members of the National Press Club, followed by a panel discussion on the role religion plays in systemic racism in America, will start at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 7, in the Club's Ballroom.

Attendees must register here. The event is free for Club members, but there is a $10 fee per person for Club member guests and the general public.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. to allow attendees time to order a drink from the bar and mingle before finding a comfortable seat and settling in to watch the documentary.

Race Religion Reconciliation documentary promo shot "Religion, Racism & Reconciliation" focuses on individuals and communities of faith working to address issues such as voting rights, income inequality, and mass incarceration. Through interviews with academic and religious leaders, the documentary examines the contradiction of an American society that values freedom and equality while grappling with its history of slavery, segregation and racism. It also highlights the role of religion in both fueling racial division and promoting healing and reconciliation.

The documentary produced by Gerald Krell and Adam Krell premiered on PBS on Feb. 24. A trailer can be viewed here.

The panel discussion on the role religion plays in perpetuating and dismantling systemic racism in the U.S. will feature the Canon Theologian at the Washington National Cathedral, the Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas, Ph.D., and the founding director of the Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice, Jim Wallis. Douglas is the author of "Resurrection Hope: A Future Where Black Lives Matter." Wallis is the author of "The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy."

This program is presented by the Club's Headliners Team. To submit a question in advance for the speakers, put RECONCILIATION in the subject line and email it to [email protected]. The deadline for submitting questions in advance is 2 p.m. on Friday, the day of the screening.