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NEW from me: Black and White evangelicals once talked about ‘racial reconciliation.’ Then Trump came along. https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2020/08/21/black-and-white-evangelicals-trump-racial-reconciliation/
White evangelicals angered over the death of George Floyd have joined protests and declared that “black lives matter” — some have even championed reparations. But their continued support for President Trump has disgusted Black evangelical leaders.
I spoke with @JawnO, who decided his church would leave the Southern Baptist Convention. He was particularly troubled at @albertmohler endorsed Trump earlier this year -- and other Southern Baptist leaders stayed silent.
White and black evangelicals have tried "racial reconciliation" efforts in the past. The Southern Baptist Convention famously repented of their role in the support of slavery. Promise Keepers held rallies with tens of thousands of pastors.
Horrified by the Charleston mass shooting, Douglas Birdsall started a group for Black and White leaders to connect. He had raised millions for evangelical causes, but said he struggled to raise $10,000 because White evangelicals did not see interracial dialogue as a priority.
And Trump’s election, Birdsall said, changed everything: “Anybody who is White and evangelical who was working in that space had to re-earn his spurs.”
John Perkins is one of the most beloved black leaders in the broader evangelical world. Arrested/beaten by White police officers after he led a boycott in 1969, his forgiveness of police was widely praised.
“Evangelicals sold out" to Trump. “That created a split in the church.”
“Evangelicals sold out" to Trump. “That created a split in the church.”
Black leaders are drawing lines in the sand. @CharlieDates, a prominent Chicago pastor, said he recently felt uncomfortable when invited to speak on the same radio station with White evangelical pastors @robertjeffress and @johnmacarthur, who support Trump+decry “social justice.”
For @RevDocBrenda, the election made 30 years talking about racial reconciliation feel like “a waste.” She started speaking more specifically.
She said a White middle-aged man posted Facebook page message that said: “We liked you better when you just quoted Bible verses.”
She said a White middle-aged man posted Facebook page message that said: “We liked you better when you just quoted Bible verses.”
Black authors say demand for their training has skyrocketed as people are hungry for info. These leaders are willing—on their own terms. On Friday at noon, @lisasharper will moderate a live discussion with three other Black Christian educators. 500 people have already signed up.
With a grant for nearly $1 million from Facebook, one of those educators, @LatashaMorrison created heavily moderated Facebook groups for thousands of people to discuss race. Participants are not allowed to say anything until they have observed the discussion for three months.
Instagram videos from former NFL athlete @emmanuelacho have been watched millions of times.
“It’s hard for Black people to attend predominantly White churches, specifically when White pastors are silent on the issues that matter to Black people."
“It’s hard for Black people to attend predominantly White churches, specifically when White pastors are silent on the issues that matter to Black people."
Last but certainly not least, @JemarTisby is one of the key people who have helped me understand all the dynamics, the history, the context around all of this. His book "Color of Compromise" about Christian complicity in racism became a bestselling book this summer.
And Tisby has pointed out other new books that deal with the subject, including “White Too Long” by @robertpjones, “Jesus and John Wayne,” by @kkdumez, “Reconstructing the Gospel,” by @wilsonhartgrove and “Taking America Back for God,” by @ndrewwhitehead and @socofthesacred.
Tisby said it seems less risky for pastors to speak against racial injustice since major corporations have. But some Black Christians remain skeptical.
“We’re seeing Black Christians say to White Christians, ‘You’re welcome on this journey, but we’re not waiting,’” Tisby said.
“We’re seeing Black Christians say to White Christians, ‘You’re welcome on this journey, but we’re not waiting,’” Tisby said.
AHHH I forgot to share links throughout my thread, but you really have to read the whole piece (and then share it!). https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2020/08/21/black-and-white-evangelicals-trump-racial-reconciliation/
One thing I wanted to touch on but just couldn't due to space was how hip hop artists have contributed to some "awakening" of sorts by White evangelicals. @mboorstein covered this with @lecrae https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/06/14/this-black-rapper-might-be-americas-next-evangelical-leader/
but also there's @triplee @prophiphop @amishobaraka and more.
but also there's @triplee @prophiphop @amishobaraka and more.
Another thing I couldn't get to was some of the newer Black-led initiatives. @TheWitnessBCC and @AndCampaignNYC have new fundraisers this year. And @KyleJamesHoward is launching a network of Christian counselors who include racial trauma counseling as part of their services.
Super grateful to all who were willing to share stories with me, including White pastor Greg Thompson, who is working on a book on reparations.
“My hope is that white supremacy and reparations will roll off the tongue as easily as race and racial reconciliation once did.”
“My hope is that white supremacy and reparations will roll off the tongue as easily as race and racial reconciliation once did.”
