Racial Righteousness
A First Nations Conversation
In February, as part of the NAB initiative to grow in racial righteousness, a dialogue was hosted by Grace Baptist Church in Calgary, Alberta, with NAB leaders, people with a background in ministry to the First Nations community.
Continue ReadingHaving Racial Conversations
We need to grow in the church. We need transformation and healing. And one of the areas where healing is needed involves the relationship between Christians of different races.
Continue ReadingRacial Righteousness in a World of Racism
As followers of Jesus and as members of the Executive Team of the North American Baptist Conference, we deplore the brutal killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. It was an egregious and sinful act and an overt abuse of power. In the United States, we just celebrated those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the armed forces on Memorial Day, because life is precious.
Continue ReadingAnti-Asian Racism in the COVID-19 Crisis
Because of this recent rash of Asian American racism, a group called the Asian American Christian Collaborative released a statement denouncing xenophobia, asking believers to stand “in solidarity with victims” and directing “Christians to speak out and make changes in their churches, schools, and communities.”
Continue ReadingA Response to Barna’s Study, “Where Do We Go From Here?”
This past August marked 400 years after the first enslaved Africans were recorded as coming to the shores of Jamestown, Virginia. That moment was transformative for the United States, and it is impossible…
Continue ReadingHow History Can Help Us Examine Ourselves
When I was on staff at Grace Community Church in Detroit, Michigan, I loved how the church leadership pursued having a worship stage that reflected the diversity of church attendees.
Continue ReadingTragic History Can Teach the Church How to Lament
Much of Black history is uplifting, and one of the reasons why is because so much of it is also tragic. But just like other historical events, we want to celebrate courage and bravery and the best of people while lamenting the evil that has taken place.
Continue ReadingBlack History Month and the Body of Christ
Because of the deep connection Black people have with the church, the history of the church and Black History Month are intertwined. Enslaved Blacks received the Christian religion in their new land, seeing the true Jesus behind the one worshiped by their slave masters.
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