Racism Resources

The following are some of the resources available at the Lancaster Conference Congregational Resource Center:

Barndt, Joseph. Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1991.

This book begins by analyzing racism as it is today and the ways it has changed or not changed over the past few decades. Most important, the book focuses on the task of dismantling racism, how we can work to bring it to an end and build a racially just, multiracial, multicultural society.

Beyond the News: Racism. Video. Mennonite Media Productions, 1993.

This video explores prejudice and white privilege and how they affect jobs, expectations in education, the judicial system, and the church.

Branding, Ronice. Fulfilling the Dream: Confronting the Challenge of Racism. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1998.

This book helps one understand the systemic nature of institutionalized privilege for some at the expense of others – insight which moves us beyond the problems of racism's effects to the complexities of racism's roots.

Choy-Wong, Kathryn. Building Bridges: A Handbook for Cross-cultural Ministry. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1998.

This book is a beginning point for persons in local churches who desire to relate to one another cross-culturally within a congregation, among sister congregations, or in the larger community of diverse peoples. This is a valuable resource for developing multicultural ministries and provides tools for increasing mutual understanding.

Davies, Susan E, ed. and Sister Paul Teresa Hennessee, S.A. Ending Racism in the Church. Cleveland: United Church Press, 1998.

This book raises awareness of how racism influences behavior and spawns hatred. Four case studies describe church or community agencies that strive to end racism, then a diverse group of scholars and activists identify the subtle ways in which racism undermines the gospel's spirit. A guide is included to help groups discuss issues that separate the church.

DeYoung, Curtiss Paul. Coming Together: The Bible's Message in an Age of Diversity. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1995.

This book emerges out of the heart and social praxis of a minister who has sought aggressively to bring together diverse racial and ethnic groups so that they may better understand one another and form coalitions of helping solidarity informed by new readings of the Bible. The book presents a frank and courageous call to Christian unity that does not dismiss or trivialize multicultural issues.

Edwards, Jefferson D. Purging Racism from Christianity: Freedom & Purpose Through Identity. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.

Dr. Edwards says, "Purging racism from the church is at the top of God's agenda. Although there is controversy and confrontation associated with these changes, the Holy Spirit promises freedom. If there is ever to be unity and reconciliation among the races, white people must see black people as equal. But more importantly, black people must see themselves as equal. Only then will we be ready to start the much-needed reconciliation process between the races and between individuals."

Edge TV, Edition 6. Video. Navpress, 1992.

This video contains topics geared for youth, and an 11 minute segment is about racism. It focuses on a definition for racism and where ideas about racism begin. A discussion guide is included.

Fast Forward, Learning to Hate. Video. Priority One Publishing, 1993.

A 25 minute video for youth that deals with prejudice as it relates to race, AIDS, and Christianity. A discussion guide is included.

Free Indeed: a Video Drama about Racism. Video. Mennonite Central Committee, 1995.

This video challenges white viewers to think about privileges that come with being white in North America. Viewers find suggestions for examining old assumptions and beginning the process of dismantling racism.

Garber, Julie, ed. Many Cultures One in Christ: Covenant Bible Studies. Elgin: Brethern Press, 1992.

This book looks at the variety of Christian traditions in America and explores what it means to bring them together. Lessons talk about the pain of discrimination in the church, our racism and prejudice, what it is like to be an outsider, whether to preserve or risk our particular religious identity, how to break down cultural barriers between people, and how to manage diversity within the church. Each lesson offers insight into the biblical vision for cultures and challenges the church to embrace variety and share in other traditions.

Griffin, Paul R. Seeds of Racism in the Soul of America. Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 1999.

The author argues that racism originated in and is sustained by the liberal and feminist Christian traditions of the North as much as by Bible Belt conservatism of the South and the Midwest. White liberals, feminists, and religious leaders desiring to eradicate racism will find that Griffin's historical analysis brings new, illuminating thought to the scholarly discourse on race, religion, and culture in America.

Law, Eric H.F. The Bush Was Blazing But Not Consumed. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1996.

To create a workable multicultural community is not easy. You need understanding, sensitivity – and the techniques and processes that this book can teach you. Using Exodus 3, Law explains how leaders can build multicultural structures everyone can live and thrive in.

Law, Eric H.F. The Wolf Shall Dwell With the Lamb. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1993.

Using a combination of theology and cultural anthropology, the Chinese-American author explores why certain cultures – most notably whites of Northern European origin – tend, consciously or unconsciously, to dominate in multicultural situations, driving those of other races and ethnic groups to silent rage or outright rebellion. The author explores the dynamics of multicultural misunderstandings and how different cultures perceive and use power.

Mathabane, Mark and Gail Mathabane. Love in Black and White: the Triumph of Love Over Prejudice and Taboo. New York: Harper Collins, 1992.

The authors write an honest book about overcoming society's disapproval, family tumult, and personal self-doubts to be together. It is an intimate account of their falling in love, getting married, and raising children in the fishbowl of an interracial relationship.

Matsuoka, Fumitaka. The Color of Faith: Building Community in a Multiracial Society. Cleveland: United Church Press, 1998.

The author provides a theological perspective on racial and ethnic plurality by exploring such issues as alienation across shifting race lines; race and justice; the interworkings of race, class, and culture; and signs of hope amid an enduring culture of opposition. Interdisciplinary in its approach, this is a constructive theological work that reflects on the role Christian faith communities play in a multicultural society – and forges a new vision of human relatedness and community building.

McKenzie, Steven L. All God's Children: A Biblical Critique of Racism. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1997.

Racism is as contemporary a problem as the church burnings on the nightly news, but it is not a new problem. A century ago, many people used the Bible to defend racist beliefs and practices. Now, Steven McKenzie insists that the Bible's true message leads Christians away from the evils of racism and narrowness of bigotry to God's vision of humanity, free from racial division.

Montgomery-Fate, Tom. Beyond the White Noise: Mission in a Multi-cultural World. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1997.

In an intricately woven book of personal essays based on his missionary service in the Philippines, the author shares hard-won insights into how we can replace the old, neocolonial concept of mission with co-mission, a mutually liberating model for cross-cultural partnership.

Oglesby, E. Hammond. O Lord, Move This Mountain: Racism & Christian Ethics. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1998.

Racism is a mountain in the middle of American society that cannot be ignored. According to Oglesby, it must be climbed. Drawing on sources from Martin Buber to Reinhold Niebuhr, this book combines traditions of Christian ethics with African experience, arguing for a notion of covenant-harambee that is at once faithful to African conceptuality and Christian theology.

Perkins, John. Let Justice Roll Down: John Perkins Tells His Own Story. Glendale: Regal Books, 1976.

His brother died in his arms, shot by a deputy marshall . . . He was beaten and tortured by the sheriff and state police . . . But through it all he returned good for evil, love for hate, progress for prejudice and brought hope to black and white alike.

Perkins, Spencer and Chris Rice. More Than Equals: Racial Healing for the Sake of the Gospel. Downer's Grove: InterVarsity Press, revised 2000.

From their own hard-won experience, Spencer and Perkins show that there is hope for our frightening race problem, that whites and African-Americans can liver together in peace. The book includes a study and resource guide.

Police/Community Dialogue. New York: Reformed Church in America, 1999.

Designed to urge persons to stand in solidarity with African-American congregations and other minority people in the effort to engage local police departments in more effective and positive dialogue between law enforcement officers and minority communities. Includes a discussion guide for community dialogue with police.

Reid, Kathryn Goering and Stephen Breck Reid. Uncovering Racism: Covenant Bible Studies. Elgin: Brethern Press, 1999.

Subtle forms of racism, prejudice, and discrimination continue to cause difficulty and heartache to billions of people. This study points out inherently racist systems, structures, and attitudes both within the church and within the larger society and encourages Christians to take action and avoid complacency. A ten-session Bible study designed for small groups and others who study the Bible.

Shearer, Jody Miller. Challenging Racism: Fastlane Bible Studies. Faith & Life Press, 1993.

A four-session Bible study curriculum for junior high that examines racial prejudice and challenges students to work at changing systems that oppress people of color.

Shearer, Jody Miller. Enter the River: Healing Steps from White Privilege Toward Racial Reconciliation. Scottdale: Herald Press, 1994.

After asking, "Why be concerned about racism?" Shearer explores definitions of prejudice and racism, the different effects of racism on white persons and people of color, affirmative action, and many other issue's. The accessible presentation provides a strong foundation for study and action.

Smith, Kenneth L. and Ira G. Zepp, Jr. Search for the Beloved Community: The Thinking of Martin Luther King Jr. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1998.

This book examines the thought of Martin Luther King Jr. and the influences that shaped it. Each chapter presents a major strand of influence related to King's thought as expressed in his published works. These strands include evangelical liberalism, Walter Rauschenbusch, Gandhi, Reinhold Niebuhr, and personalism.

Smith, Christine Marie, ed. Preaching Justice: Ethnic and Cultural Perspectives. Cleveland: United Church Press, 1998.

How can preachers speak with authenticity about justice or liberation when they do not always understand what the oppression is? This book brings together eight very diverse voices from eight distinct cultural/ethnic communities, challenging them to articulate the specific justice concerns, issues, and passions that give rise to a preaching ministry within their own community and beyond.

Sullivan, Leon H. Moving Mountains: The Principles and Purposes of Leon Sullivan. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1998.

This is the powerful story of the perseverance and faith that led Leon H. Sullivan from poverty to corporate boardrooms, 30 honorary degrees, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and meetings with world leaders. Sullivan testifies to a God of peace and justice who is capable of moving mountains.

Tatum, Beverly Daniel. "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?": And Other Conversations About Race. New York: Basic Books, 1997.

The author asserts that people do not know how to talk about racial differences. Tatum understands that the vocabulary of race is loaded and that embarrassment and awkwardness often stymie conversations about this subject; yet, she believes that these obstacles can and must be overcome if we are to bring about change.

Usry Glenn and Craig S. Keener. Black Man's Religion: Can Christianity Be Afrocentric? Downer's Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1996.

Some say Christianity is white man's religion . . . and it is true that there is a long and ugly history of abuse of African-Americans at the hands of Euro-American Christians. Afrocentric interpretations of history often point to slavery, lynchings and the like as proof that Christianity is inherently anti-Black. The authors contend that Christianity can be Afrocentric and show that racism is not inherent in Christianity.

Voices From the Ashes. Video. Mennonite Media Ministries, 1992.

A 30 minute video about Mennonites in Los Angeles following the riots of 1992. A study guide is included.

Washington, Raleigh and Glen Kehrein. Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife. Chicago: Moody Press, 1993.

This book is about a solution. The reality of racial strife in our society is obvious. Riots, fermenting in the hotbed of racial inequity and poverty, lie dormant only to rise again; each time more vile and destructive. We say that Christ is the answer. Let us be about applying His unique and specific answer: racial reconciliation. Practical applications are included at the end of each chapter.

Watley, William D. Roots of Resistance: The Nonviolent Ethic of Martin Luther King, Jr. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1985.

How can Christians live and work in a world where the use of physical force against countless forms of human sin seems unavoidable? Martin Luther King Jr.'s lifelong search for answers to this questions is the central theme of a comprehensive study exploring the influences shaping his nonviolent ethic and catapulting him into the forefront of the civil rights struggle.