I have seen one church change from pretty much monoethnic (White) to diverse in a relatively short period of time, and remain diverse to this day. When I think of this dramatic change, I can think of no better descriptor…
How We Learned about Race and Racial Reconciliation (and You Can, Too): Part 2, Early Lessons about Race at Church and through Relationships
In my previous post, I mentioned our early learning about race received a huge boost from joining an African-American church in Waukegan and from our relationship with the Whiteheads. When I was discussing this time with my wife, Cheryl, we…
How We Learned about Race and Racial Reconciliation (and You Can, Too): Part 1, African-American Church and Education through Relationships
In my blogging, I have generally minimized talking about myself and my experiences. However, rereading Being White for my previous posts reminded me of the power of someone’s story. Harris and Schaupp shared powerful stories related to their learning about…
Understanding and Countering Racism with Help from Being White by Harris and Schaupp (part 2): White Guilt
At times like these when so much public attention is suddenly given to race and racism, it is easy for some European Americans to give in to White guilt. My teenagers sometimes come home from school loaded down by White…
Understanding and Countering Racism with Help from Being White by Harris and Schaupp (part 1)
Being White: Finding Our Place in a Multiethnic World (InterVarsity Press) is a book full of insights for White Christians who want to understand and counter racism in our country and in our world. The authors are White Christians who…
Book Recommendation: Understanding Racism and Racial Reconciliation with Help from George Yancey
How should we as Christians respond to racism that we see in our communities, in our churches, and in ourselves? A response that will have long-lasting and transformative effects will be based upon truth and aim for nothing less than…
Book Recommendation: Beyond Racial Gridlock by George Yancey
We are living in troubling times. In the midst of the uncertainties created by a pandemic, we are seeing unrest in our cities and on our local news in response to the death of George Floyd. Our world is suddenly…