Social Justice Ministry

Race and racism are so prevalent in US culture, that few stop to reflect upon what race is, why it was created, and how deeply ingrained race has become in American Christianity. It has left American churches segregated in the pews and divided in faith. Can this damage be repaired? Dialogues on Race explores that very question. With seven essays from leading Christian thinkers, Dialogues on Race asks penetrating questions about how the church in the US got to this point, and how, or if, white supremacy can be expelled from American Christianity.

Race and racism are so prevalent in US culture, that few stop to reflect upon what race is, why it was created, and how deeply ingrained race has become in American Christianity. It has left American churches segregated in the pews and divided in faith. Can this damage be repaired? Dialogues on Race explores that very question. With seven essays from leading Christian thinkers, Dialogues on Race asks penetrating questions about how the church in the US got to this point, and how, or if, white supremacy can be expelled from American Christianity.

Saad started her book by saying Dear Reader: How did you feel the first time you saw the title of this book? Were you surprised? Confused? Intrigued? Uncomfortable? Maybe all of the above? I want to begin by reassuring you that all of those feelings and more are completely normal. This is a simple and straightforward book, but it is not an easy one. Welcome to the work.”

Saad describes her book as a one of a kind personal antiracism tool structured to help people with white privilege to understand and take ownership of their participation in the oppressive, yet often hidden, system of white supremacy.

Since 1865 and the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, every time African Americans have made advances toward full participation in our democracy, white reaction has fueled a deliberate, relentless rollback of any gains. Carefully linking historical flashpoints – from the post-Civil War Black Codes to expressions of white rage after the election of America’s first black president – Anderson exposes the long lineage of white rage and the different names under which it hides. Reveals many current and past elements of our countries’ history, that go back to its roots in slavery and oppression.

Be The Bridge begins with a commitment to have honest conversations among a group of Christians that are willing to give voice to unspoken hurts, hidden fears, and mounting tensions. These ongoing dialogues have formed the foundation of a global movement called “Be The Bridge.” With conviction and grace, Morrison examines the historical complexities of racism. She applies biblical principles, such as lamentation, confession and forgiveness, to lay a framework for restoration. A compelling vision of what it means “for every follower of Jesus to become a bridge builder – committed to pursuing justice and racial unity in light of the gospel.”

Hart starts with a personal story about the arrest of his older brother for “fitting the description” of someone else who committed a crime. But are Christians in our dominant culture prepared to listen to groups of people who have “seen trouble, so much trouble?”

He states that most Christians “operate out of a thin and naïve understanding of racism.”

Hart visualizes the Gospel as a “divine intervention in history and a life-altering reality.”

He pulls no punches and states that American Christian history reflects a “monumental failure regarding racism.” That Christian piety and oppression could so easily coexist with racism should be “horrifying” to us, yet the white church has often been silent to 400 years of “assaults on black humanity.”

In this insightful follow-up to her best seller White Fragility, author Robin DiAngelo illuminates the subtle and insidious racial patterns of progressive white people, revealing how a culture of “niceness” actually protects racism. Some of these behaviors include rushing to prove that we are “not racist”, downplaying white advantage & pretending that segregation “just happens”, co-opting Indigenous and other group’s rituals and allowing shame and personal trauma to immobilize us & excuse inaction. DiAngelo writes candidly about her own missteps and struggles, while encouraging readers to continually face their own complicity, and to embrace courage, lifelong commitment and accountability.

McGhee’s specialty is the American economy – and the mystery of why it so often fails the American public. From the 2008 financial crisis to rising student debt, to collapsing public infrastructure, she found a common root problem: racism. She identifies how racism has had many costs for white people as well. She talks about the “zero sum paradigm” – the idea that progress for some of us must come at the expense of others. McGhee also expands on what she calls the “solidarity dividend” – the benefits that we all gain when people come together across race to accomplish what we simply can’t do on our own.

If the experiences of racism in a white supremacist society seem too far away from your daily reality, I’m Tired of Racism will change that. I’m Tired of Racism is a collection of personal stories that reflect Sharon’s experiences of racism in different locations. I’m Tired of Racism

will help you:

• Gain a better understanding of the daily Black experience and the history that has led up to it.
• Start meaningful conversations about racism and anti-racism to make change in your own circles.
• Replace performativity *with meaningful advocacy & support.

(“Performativity” relates to the power of language to effect change, but may not translate into any meaningful action. Example: putting a Black Lives Matter sign in your window, but doing nothing to actively support any substantive change).

Throughout its history, America has been confronted with two alternative views of its identity. Is it, according to one argument, a deeply Christian nation called to purity and uniformity in the face of a challenging world? Or is it, according to the other argument, a beacon of hope and openness, a land in which a variety of people can work side by side in justice and for a common good?

In this timely and needed book, the authors challenge readers–especially readers in Christian communities–to step up to the promise of an America that works for the good of everyone who calls this nation home.

Certainly, part of that challenge is recognizing where America has failed, and the authors do not step back from that challenge. But a tone of hope prevails throughout as a gracious and compelling case is made that America’s better angels exist and can motivate us to create a more just society

In 2014, Time magazine announced that America had reached “the transgender tipping point,” suggesting that transgender issues would become the next civil rights frontier. Years later, many people—even many LGBTQ allies—still lack understanding of gender identity and the transgender experience. Into this void, Austen Hartke offers a biblically based, educational, and affirming resource to shed light and wisdom on this modern gender landscape.

Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians provides access into an underrepresented and misunderstood community and will change the way readers think about transgender people, faith, and the future of Christianity. By introducing transgender issues and language and providing stories of both biblical characters and real-life narratives from transgender Christians living today, Hartke helps readers visualize a more inclusive Christianity, equipping them with the confidence and tools to change both the church and the world.

This novel explores the themes of police brutality and racial injustice through the eyes of high school student Starr Carter.  The novel includes poigant reflections from Starr as she navigates life between her poor, predominantly black neighborhood and the affluent, mostly white prep school she attends.  These inner reflections and insights are intensified when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend, Khalil, by a white police officer. As the only witness, Starr faces intense pressure from her community, the media, and law enforcement to speak out.

In the summer of 2024 the pastoral staff led the congregation through a sermon series focus on Jesus' command to "love our neighbors...". As part of this focus, some members of Bethany led The Art of Neighboring, which invites readers to consider the simple ways that they can live out this most basic command from Jesus. 

In May 2023, members discussed the Death penalty and heard from Colorado lawyers who were instrumental in abolishing the death penalty in Colorado.  As part of this discussion, many read or viewed the movie Just Mercy, which tells the story of Bryan Stevenson and his earlier years as a lawyer representing death row inmate Walter McMillian.