The Christian Church
Black and Episcopalian
The Struggle for Inclusion Gayle Fisher-Stewart Foreword by Kelly Brown Douglas A personal story of the struggle for authentic inclusion in the church. From a strong voice in the dialogue about what black lives matter means in relation to faith, a powerful lament and a hopeful message about the future. Historically, to be Episcopal/Anglican, as it was to be American, was to be white. Assimilation to whiteness has been a measure of success and acceptance, yet, assimilation requires that people of color give up something of themselves and deny parts of their heritage, including religious practices that sustained their ancestors. Despite the fact that Blackness is on display during Black History Month for example, and Black/African heritage is given primacy in the liturgy, music, and preaching during that time, at other times this doesn’t seem to be the case. The author argues that whiteness is embedded in every aspect of religious life, from seminary to Christian education to last rites. “Is it possible to be Black and Episcopalian and not feel alien?”, she asks. In her words, we learn that inclusivity, above all, must be authentic. Morehouse Publishing 9781640654785 $19.95 paper | 6 x 9 | 176 Pages Available Now
“A relevant voice to those who have silently suffered and continue to suffer in a time such as this!” —Rev. Charles D. Fowler III, African Methodist Episcopal Church GAYLE FISHER-STEWART, editor of Preaching Black Lives (Matter), serves currently as the interim rector at the historically Black St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC. Prior to becoming ordained, she served with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, and later taught at the university level while consulting with local and federal government agencies. She lives in Maryland.
Related Reading
FPO
Preaching Black Lives (Matter) Edited by Gayle Fisher-Stewart Winner of a Gold Medal—2021 ILLUMINATION BOOK AWARDS A collection that motivates preaching, teaching, and advocating for eliminating racism. 9781640652569 | $24.95 | paper
This Band of Sisterhood Black Women Bishops on Race, Faith, and the Church Edited by Westina Matthews Foreword by Catherine Meeks Afterword by Paula Clark “There are so many nuggets of wisdom to be found in the conversations between these remarkable Black women bishops . . . The reflections, experiences, and profound humanity that my sisters share in these pages are indeed priceless.” —The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church 9781640653511 | $14.95 | paper
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