See the Bigger Picture
Jamar Tisby, in his book The Color of Compromise, introduces the concept of the ARC of Racial Justice. Three things need to be present for Racial Justice to occur:
Awareness
Relationships
Commitment
While all three are equally necessary, change starts with Awareness. In other words, we each have a lot to learn. We are surrounded by voices that have not been heard, stories that have not been told, and histories that have not been taught.
panoRRama Content is designed to help us hear these voices, listen to these stories, and learn these histories…not only on the topic or Racism, but on other important topics as well.
You are invited to join us on this journey of awareness. Our hope is that together we can help each other See the Bigger Picture.
Workshops
Conversations are more interesting and informative if they involve more than one perspective. The Content on panoRRama represents a variety of perspectives. For instance, panoRRama contains content that is affirming and supportive to the LGBTQ+ Community. This is often referred to as the “Side A” position. Those who hold this opinion think this is an important way to love and value those in the Queer community they know and love and is a necessary part of seeing the bigger picture. But it is not required that all panoRRama Members and Content Providers share this view. Some may hold to the “Side B” position. Some may be unsure of their position. What is required is that everyone at panoRRama—Content Providers and members—contributes to our culture of listening and abides by the Conversational Covenant.
panoRRama has invited Workshop Leaders who will represent a variety of positions on a wide range of important issues in the church and in today’s culture. These are important conversations that we think need to be taking place. Some Workshop Leaders lead numerous panoRRama workshops on a regular basis. Some Workshop Leaders lead a single workshop. Not all Workshop Leaders hold the same positions. That is by design. It is all part of “Seeing the Bigger Picture.”
panoRRRama Contributers
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Erin Moorman
Erin Moorman (she/her) is a lifelong Christian who has always had an interest in Biblical studies, theology, and social justice. Many years of prayerful thought and consideration convicted her that the Church needs to be a safe place for the LGBTQIA+ community, and she feels a call to disciple Christians in working toward that. A former licensed minister, Erin has written two essays on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in her previous denomination; and has contributed an essay to the book Why the Church of the Nazarene Should Be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming (SacraSage Press, 2023). She earned a BA in sociology with a minor focus in both religion and philosophy. She is an avid reader of scifi, fantasy, and mysteries; a Star Trek nerd; a Star Wars fan; and a native-plant gardener. Erin lives in Ohio with her husband and three children.
Workshops led by Erin Moorman: Walking the Bridgeless Canyon
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Bill Sunberg
Bill Sunberg (he/him) served as a Pastor in the Church of the Nazarene for 32 years. For the last 17 years he served in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as Lead Pastor of one of the most multicultural congregations in the Church of the Nazarene—over 40 nations represented. During that time he developed a passion for Racial Justice issues and a deep love for the gang involved youth of his community. In 2021, Bill felt the call to pursue Racial Justice work which led to his resignation as a local church pastor and resulted in the founding of panoRRama. In addition to his work founding panoRRama, Bill is also on the Board of Directors of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society. Bill currently lives in Shelburne, Nova Scotia with his wife, Janet, who is a retired teacher and a full time potter in her pottery barn built in 1788.
Workshops lead by Bill Sunberg: The Cross and the Lynching Tree, The Color of Compromise, Church in Color, White Fragility, How to Fight Racism, Truth and Reconciliation Commission
panoRRama Resource Room
Welcome to the panoRRama Resource Room. These original resources are designed to support individuals and local churches on their journey of Seeing the Bigger Picture and Joining the Conversation on current issues featured in panoRRama Workshops and written by panoRRama workshop leaders. Please click here, welcomehome@panorrama.com, to let us know if we can resource you or your local church an any other ways.
Resources Coming Soon
Voices (panoRRama Book Discussions)
There are so many voices that need to be heard. Voices that have been marginalized. Voices that have been silenced. Voices of Black writers. Voices of Womanist writers. Voices of female writers. Voices who have so much to contribute to the important conversations of today’s world. The time has come for all these voices to be heard—even yours.
Introducing “Voices,” the panoRRama Book Discussion Room. Voices is designed to call our attention to books and resources on a variety of important topics. There are a few ways you may use this space. First, if you have been looking for a list of recommended books for your own journey, this page is designed to introduce you to a variety of options. The comments from panoRRama members on each book should be helpful in getting an understanding of what each book entails. Second, you can join the conversation on books and resources you have used in the past. Let us know what you think and which books and resources you would recommend….or not. Finally, if there is a book or resource that you would like to recommend which is not included, use the provided template to add your book to the Voices page. Please find Voices in the panoRRama Members Section and Join the Conversation! We want to hear from you too.
Book a Speaker
If you would like to have a panoRRama Contributor speak at an upcoming event, please fill out the following request form. You will be contacted with confirmation details and next steps within the next few days.