Faith Communities and the Fight for Racial Justice: What Has Worked, What Hasn't, and Lessons We Can Learn

Since the 1950s and 1960s, Black and White faith leaders have fought for racial and social justice, often overshadowed by the Religious Right. Robert Wuthnow's book "Faith Communities and the Fight for Racial Justice" tells the stories of these progressive faith-based advocates, including the affordable housing project in St. Louis, the pastors lawsuit in North Carolina, and the faith outreach initiative for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. He offers lessons in what faith communities have done and how they can better advocate for racial justice in the years ahead.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Faith Communities and the Fight for Racial Justice, written by Robert Wuthnow, presents a compelling argument that challenges the notion that progressive religious organizations have been absent in recent struggles for racial justice. Contrary to activists' accusations of complacency, Black and White faith leaders have consistently fought for racial and social justice since the end of the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Wuthnow introduces us to the communities, congregations, and faith-based coalitions that have dedicated their efforts to addressing issues such as fair housing, school desegregation, affirmative action, criminal justice, and more.

While often overshadowed by the Religious Right, these progressive faith-based racial justice advocates have persevered in their fight, even as media attention shifted elsewhere. Wuthnow weaves together captivating stories that highlight the achievements and limitations of faith leaders' roles in these struggles. Through extensive research and interviews with denominations, journalists, and social scientists, he provides a detailed and frank discussion of the challenges and successes experienced by Black and White faith leaders.

One of the key themes of the book is the diverse ways in which faith communities have approached racial justice issues. Wuthnow explores the efforts of Black and White faith leaders who have worked cooperatively and in complementary ways to tackle problems. He highlights the successes of faith-based affordable housing projects, pastors' lawsuits that launched the nation's first busing program for school desegregation, and church-mobilized protests following the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Freddie Gray, and George Floyd. These stories offer valuable lessons in what faith communities have done and how they have contributed to the ongoing fight for racial justice.

Wuthnow's analysis also sheds light on the limitations of faith leaders' roles in these struggles. He acknowledges that faith communities have faced challenges in navigating complex political landscapes and balancing their religious beliefs with societal demands. He also points out that some faith leaders may have been hesitant to engage in political activism, fearing that it could compromise their religious integrity or alienate their congregations.

Despite these challenges, Faith Communities and the Fight for Racial Justice serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and dedication of Black and White faith leaders in their pursuit of racial justice. Wuthnow's book provides valuable insights into the role of faith communities in shaping social change and offers a roadmap for future efforts to build more inclusive and just societies.

In conclusion, Faith Communities and the Fight for Racial Justice is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the role of faith in addressing racial justice issues. Robert Wuthnow's book challenges the notion of complacency among progressive religious organizations and presents a compelling case for their continued engagement in the fight for social justice. Through his extensive research and engaging storytelling, Wuthnow provides valuable insights into the achievements and limitations of faith leaders' roles in these struggles and offers a roadmap for building more inclusive and just societies.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691250830