As fall programming resumes in church buildings and a new year of learning resumes in school buildings, consider this unique timing to bring forth books that can facilitate challenging conversations and calls to action. Adult forums, Bible studies, and book studies can provide safe spaces and opportunities to dialogue and learn about topics that are important and relevant within communities of faith.
Call to Allyship: Preparing Your Congregation for Leaders of Color edited by Angela T. !Khabeb is a great place to start in understanding why the church needs to be an ally for those who have been marginalized, misunderstood, excluded, and disrespected by their own congregations. Personal stories by BIPOC leaders in predominantly white congregations are shared and provide the groundwork for discussion and action. “If you are a part of a church staff, church council, or personnel or mutual ministry team, this book is a must-read . . . if you are a Christian concerned about justice issues and committed to the call to allyship, this book will guide your way” (p. 7-8).
For a specific example of a congregation that has been an ally, consider Ashes to Action: Finding Myself at the Intersection of the Minneapolis Uprising by Shari Seifert. Her congregation, Calvary Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis, set a great example of being an ally in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. Through the leadership of members of the congregation partnering with several activist groups, this congregation jumped into action and provided needed support and services to the community. This book teaches congregations how to be an ally by asking what the needs are and by walking alongside our brothers and sisters during their most difficult times.
ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on The Church in Society by James M. Childs, Jr. is a call to action for justice—justice for people living in poverty, justice for creation, and justice for those who are peacemakers. This book is grounded in scripture and Lutheran theology and boldly asks questions congregations can consider on the path towards justice. Each chapter ends with discussion questions and suggestions for further reading. This book can help to facilitate congregational dialogue, as well as small group conversation.
ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Abortion by Caryn D. Riswold invites congregations to consider what it means to be a compassionate community. Riswold encourages congregations to consider the complexity of abortion through the lens of compassion and love. Readers will walk through the roots, as well as the contemporary context, of Lutheran social teaching on abortion and will consider historical and modern perspectives. This book is well suited for congregations to facilitate engaging dialogue and provides questions and additional resources for group discussions.
The topics of racism, allyship, justice, and abortion are difficult topics that can become divisive and polarizing. Leaders and members of congregations bring with them their unique perspectives and experiences through which they view these topics. However, the ELCA has historically leaned into these difficult topics and has provided safe space for open dialogue and calls to action. Yet, there is still work that needs to be done. As congregations continue in this work, these books will offer guidance and additional resources for discussion and action.
