Pastor Rock Dillaman, Pastor Sheldon Williams, Pastor Ross Owens, Sheran White, and Pastor Alan Hannah have a courageous conversation about race, our community, and the church.
Continuing the Conversation
Here at ACAC, we choose to engage in the fight against racism and injustice as individuals and to battle the systemic racism that exists institutionally. We believe that racism is ultimately birthed by human sinfulness. The reality of God’s salvation constitutes the only complete and enduring solution. The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is necessary for effective engagement and it is the love of God that prevents new evils in response to the old ones. With that being said, it is critical that one understands the history and effects racism has had on both our nation and within Christianity. To that end, we have asked several leaders within our church to share resources that have helped them and which they believe would be helpful to others.
Pastor Ross Owens
Administrative Pastor
Recommeded Resources from Pastor Ross:
BOOKS:
The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby:
The publisher summarizes The Color of Compromise like this: “…reveals the chilling connection between the church and racism throughout American history. A survey of the ways Christians of the past have reinforced theories of racial superiority and inferiority provides motivation for a series of bold actions believers must take to forge a future of equity and justice.” I agree 100% with that assertion. For me, this book was educational and inspirational. It made me angry, sad, and hopeful. I highly recommend it for everyone in the Christian community looking to learn the Church’s history on racism and how we can address it in our society.
White Awake by Daniel Hill:
For me, this book is highly pastoral. Daniel Hill presents the truth about racism and white supremacy head-on with Scripture. Hill does not use these issues to judge or manipulate. But to help his readers identify and remove cultural blind spots. White Awake is a good starting place for conversations about racism and the system of sin that is white superiority. Hill does a great job using first hand and relatable experiences. His hard-learned lessons are humbly offered to the reader.
MOVIES:
Just Mercy:
This movie is a true story about the early days of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) and their quest to defend the poor, the incarcerated, and the wrongly condemned. Despite having 17 witnesses vouching for his whereabouts at the time of the murder, an Alabama jury of 11 white men and one black man convicted Walter McMillian based on the testimony of an ex-con named Ralph Meyers. While not a Christian movie, faith’s fingerprints are seen everywhere. Along with a strong Christian and moral worldview, there’s an ongoing fight for justice and mercy and an appeal to God for guidance and support.
Hidden Figures:
Hidden Figures is the incredible true story of three brilliant African American women working at NASA in the early 60’s. While there’s a ton of racism and bigotry to mourn and grieve in this movie, there are many, many moments to feel proud. You cannot ignore the fact these women used their God given talents and abilities – no matter what those around them thought – to reach their destiny. Viewing from a Christian lens, this movie will encourage the church to be a place that fully embraces, loves, and accepts everyone, no matter their ethnic background. Heaven will be a place where all nations are represented because Jesus died for people of every color, language, tribe, and nation.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS:
- Systemic Racism Explained: Watch Here
- Jim Crow and America's Racism Explained: Watch Here
I really like these video as they are succinct explanations of the history of systemic racism that are easy for the young and old to follow.