The murder of George Floyd in 2020 and subsequent calls for a reckoning with systematic racism forced many religious leaders to confront the question of how to talk about race in their congregations to an extent not seen in the 21st century. We argue that this period reflects an “unsettled time” and prompted several types of leadership responses, which we have identified through interviews with Christian religious leaders. Among leaders of non-Black congregations, we find three common responses: feeling called to openly take a stand against racial injustice, cautiously engaging the issue but experiencing tensions in one's congregation, and avoidance by claiming that racial justice is primarily a political issue that should only be addressed in religious contexts as far as it relates to biblical teachings. Finally, we find a more consistent assumption of the need to address racial injustice among the leaders of majority Black congregations. (Read more)
Call for Nominations 2025 Senior Scholar NominationsThe Boniuk Institute is accepting nominations for the 2025 Senior Scholar Award. (Read more) |
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Research How Christian Leaders Navigate Race After George Floyd's Murder |
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Professional Development June 11-13, 2024 World Religions & CultureThe Boniuk Institute presents its annual Professional Development program for secondary Social Studies educators and student-facing professionals. Participants receive training in basic religious literacy and TEKS-aligned resources, which create awareness and enables them to more confidently include and address the role of religion in classroom subject matter. |