Racism and Christian faith have crossed paths in complicated and volatile ways in U.S. history for centuries. Today, some talk openly about the complicity of the Church in the racism of our society. Other Christians struggle with a personal sense of responsibility for racism. Often these discussions fall into racialized categories. Media cycles reinvigorate conversation about the issue, but without giving any guidance for constructive dialogue or even agreed outcomes.

What role should the Church play in addressing racism, and how can we engage in these conversations in a meaningful, constructive way? In what ways has the church been complicit with racism? In what ways has it combatted it? What insights can the Church’s history with racism offer for addressing it effectively in the present? What might make for a credible, compelling, and compassionate Christian witness when race is the topic of conversation? Join us as we explore these issues and more.

Conference Speakers

Latasha Morrison

Latasha Morrison is a distinguished author, renowned for her transformative work in fostering racial reconciliation and unity. She is a New York Times best-selling author, and her influential book, Be the Bridge, has become a beacon of hope, guiding individuals and communities towards a future free from racial division. Her recently released book, Brown Faces, White Spaces continues that influence by looking at what it means to recognize and confess the truth about inequities in the system (preparation), commit ourselves to changing the system (dedication), and move into true freedom as a society (liberation).

She founded the nonprofit organization, Be the Bridge, in 2016 to empower people and culture toward racial healing, equity, and reconciliation. Through her work, Latasha Morrison continues to ignite conversations, challenge societal norms, and empower others to take action to increase racial literacy and pursue racial justice. Her commitment to fostering unity and dismantling racial barriers has made her a beacon of hope and an inspiration to all who aspire to create lasting change.

Dr. Gerardo Marti

Dr. Gerardo Marti is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology at Davidson College and serves as the current president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion.

His scholarly work has earned much recognition, including the Distinguished Book Award for The Deconstructed Church: Understanding Emerging Christianity, co-authored with Gladys Ganiel.

A prolific writer, Dr. Martí’s recent works include Latino Protestants in America (2017), American Blindspot: Race, Class, Religion, and the Trump Presidency (2020), and The Glass Church: Robert H. Schuller, The Crystal Cathedral, and the Strain of Megachurch Ministry (2020).

He is actively engaged in leadership roles on multiple boards and advisory councils, including the Louisville Institute, the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving, and the Public Religion Research Institute. Supported by a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., Dr. Martí’s current research focuses on churches addressing racial injustice, with a forthcoming book under contract with Oxford University Press.

Dr. John Moreland

Dr. John Moreland is the director for Black Church Programs at Denver Seminary, extending the educational resources of the Seminary to the African American communities of Denver and Washington DC. In addition to his duties at Denver Seminary, John currently serves as the Commander of the 140th Logistics and Readiness Squadron, for the Colorado Air National Guard, Buckley Space Force Base, CO. He has taught as an adjunct faculty member for Colorado Christian University, Gateway Seminary, and the University of Denver.

A native of San Antonio, TX, John was born and raised in deep Southern traditions. He felt called to lifelong service of Christian ministry and public service at the age of 5, began preaching ministry at age 15, and was ordained to the gospel ministry at age 18.

John holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in preaching and pastoral leadership from Denver Seminary and a Master of Divinity from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.

Dr. Soong-Chan Rah

Dr. Soong-Chan Rah is the Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism at Fuller Seminary. Prior to his appointment at Fuller, Dr. Rah served as the Milton B. Engebretson Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism at North Park Theological Seminary. He holds a ThD from Duke Divinity School, with a primary field of study in theology and ethics and a secondary field of study in American evangelical history. He also holds an MDiv and a DMin, with a concentration in urban ministry leadership, from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, as well as a ThM from Harvard University, with a thesis on the immigrant church.

Rah has authored or coauthored over a half dozen, and many award-winning, books including The Next Evangelicalism: Freeing the Church from Western Cultural Captivity, Many Colors: Cultural Intelligence for a Changing Church, Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times, Return to Justice: Six Movements that Reignited Our Contemporary Evangelical Conscience, Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, and Forgive Us: Confessions of a Compromised Faith.

He is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church, and a member of the Academy for Evangelism in Theological Education, American Academy of Religion, and American Society of Missiology. He has spoken widely on the topics of the witness of the church, cross-cultural ministry, and social justice at academic conferences, seminaries, Christian colleges, local churches, denominational gatherings, and ministry conferences on both the domestic and global level.

Contact:
Jason Woodman, director of Public Engagement for The Gospel Initiative, is available before, during, and after the event to answer questions.