Moving faith freedom forward: Our next chapter
Moving faith freedom forward will take all of us working together, drawing on our personal experiences, sharing our unique perspectives, and listening to and learning from each other as equals.
Religious Freedom Has Been White Too Long
Before we white people speak, we need to listen. BJC is doing just that this year, as we focus on learning from BIPOC scholars, theologians, preachers, writers, philosophers, poets, prophets and podcasters about faith freedom for all. We are intentionally working to decenter the voices that have taken up almost all of the conversation about religious freedom to this point.
What have we learned in 2020?
BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler asks, “What have we learned about our country, our religious communities and ourselves over the course of this tumultuous — and often heartbreaking — year?”
Our work to do
What is our work to do? It’s a personal question that I believe every white person in this country needs to be asking herself right now. For me, it starts with understanding the roots of racism and implicit bias.
Choosing Christianity over Christian nationalism
Today, there is a choice for Christians to make: will we choose Christian nationalism, a perversion of Christianity that provides cover for white nationalism and claims power through violent actions against peaceful protesters to stage a photo op with the Bible as a prop? Or, will we choose Christianity, the one shown by St. John’s Church this week, with anti-racist action and works of justice and mercy? Our faith and our religious liberty are at stake.
