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Articles

We post several short articles per month, tackling complicated issues and giving space for Christians to share their experiences about race in an edifying way. Longer essays are a scholarly contribution to UWP. They examine racism in the church in light of historical and theological contexts. Both Short-Form and Long-Form essays are written by people burdened with racial reconciliation in the church.

LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL: 60TH ANNIVERSARY

LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL: 60TH ANNIVERSARY

Today is the 60th anniversary of Dr. King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail. Dr. King had been arrested in Birmingham during a non-violent protest against the segregation of the Jim Crow South. A few things stand out about the letter as we read it today. The first is how...

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Book Response: In Church as it is in Heaven

Book Response: In Church as it is in Heaven

In Church as it is in Heaven? It was only several years ago that I had no answer for a question I was often asked: “What should I read on race and ethnic unity in the church?” It wasn’t that there were not good books on race and racism. There were plenty. But many...

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Book Response: The Gift of the Outsider

Book Response: The Gift of the Outsider

Alicia Akins has been a friend of United? We Pray for years now. I cannot remember how we first met, but she has been writing for us on and off since 2020. I remember right away appreciating her keen insight, both about herself and those around her. She brings those...

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A NOT SO SUBTLE SHIFT

A NOT SO SUBTLE SHIFT

Growing up as a black man in rural America, I had the joy and privilege of attending predominantly black churches in my community. My earliest memories of church life involve going to First Baptist to hear Doc Smith and Rev Gentry lead prayer meetings and Bible...

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JUDGMENT AND MERCY

JUDGMENT AND MERCY

The scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus for judgment. Caught in adultery, they desired to exact the full penalty of the law against a woman and pummel her to death with stones. Guilty. Exposed. Vulnerable. Her life was at the mercy of the mob and the verdict of...

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WHY I STUDY BLACK HISTORY

WHY I STUDY BLACK HISTORY

Black History Month sprang out of African American celebrations of Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’s February birthdays. “Negro History Week” began in February 1926 to recognize African American contributions to society and raise awareness of the prejudice...

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MLK DAY SPECIAL: BE PATIENT WITH THEM ALL (PART 2)

MLK DAY SPECIAL: BE PATIENT WITH THEM ALL (PART 2)

Paul preached patience when dealing with people sidelined in life. Regardless of whether individuals remained out of the battle due to laziness, apathy, fear, or brokenness, he said all of them must be treated with patience. We don’t care much for patience these days....

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