Behind the Mic: The Cost of Reconstruction

05/18/21 • 40 min

This Behind the Mic was too good not to share! Tyler and Jemar talk about the cost of reconstruction after #LeaveLOUD, give a candid look at our democracy, and costly soul care in this moment.

In 2018, the New York Times published an article tiled: A Quiet Exodus: Why Black Worshipers Are Leaving White Evangelical Churches that chronicled the plight of Black Christians who quietly exited their churches after their pastors and fellow believers failed to denounce state-sanctioned violence against Black people, white Christian Nationalism, systemic racism, and everyday bigotry. Since that time, things have gotten worse, not better.

In recent months, we’ve seen a surge of Black leaders and congregants in predominantly white or multiethnic churches and Christian spaces decide that it’s time for them to go. We bear witness to the hurt, harm, and frustration that our siblings have experienced. Enough is enough. It’s time to #LeaveLOUD

To #LeaveLOUD is to tell our stories, to name things for what they are, to take back the dignity we’ve lost while being in institutions that don’t value the fullness of the image of God within us, and to go where we are celebrated and not just tolerated.

For the next several weeks, we will be sharing stories of Black Christians who have made the decision to #LeaveLOUD. We will also be providing thoughtful analysis, words of wisdom, and resources for those who have already left or who are discerning whether they should #LeaveLOUD. We invite you to share your stories using the hashtag #LeaveLOUD.

The Witness BCC exists to empower Black Christians to live into the fullness of who God created us to be. You are not alone.

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This Behind the Mic was too good not to share! Tyler and Jemar talk about the cost of reconstruction after #LeaveLOUD, give a candid look at our democracy, and costly soul care in this moment.

The Witness BCC exists to empower Black Christians to live into the fullness of who God created us to be. You are not alone.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Previous Episode

Creative Anti-Racism with Danielle Coke

Today we have a special interview for you! Our host Tyler Burns recently interviewed Danielle Coke, also known as @ohhappydani, to talk about creative anti-racism in a world of injustice. In the conversation, they talked about her journey, her own #LeaveLOUD story, and how disruptive creativity can enhance the cause of anti-racism.

Be sure to follow Danielle on Instagram at @ohhappydani and pick up her art at https://ohhappydani.com!

Danielle Coke is a designer turned illustrator and social justice advocate who seeks to encourage faith, inspire justice and guide you through loving your neighbor well. She's passionate about helping everyday people find and use their passions to make a difference in their spheres of influence.

Also, be sure to support this show on Patreon at patreon.com/passthemic!

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Next Episode

White Evangelical Racism with Dr. Anthea Butler

Buckle up! We have the incredible Dr. Anthea Butler with us today to talk about her new book White Evangelical Racism.

Dr. Butler joins Tyler and Jemar to talk about the importance of understanding social and political power, the popularity of a multi-ethnic approach to racial reconciliation, and so much more. This is not one to miss!

Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. A sought-after commentator on the BBC, MSNBC, CNN, The History Channel and PBS, Professor Butler regularly writes opinion pieces covering religion, race, politics and popular culture for NBC Think, Religion News Service, The Washington Post, and CNN.

Professor Butler was awarded a Luce/ACLS Fellowship for the Religion, Journalism and International Affairs grant for 2018-2019 academic year to investigate Prosperity gospel and politics in the American and Nigerian context. She was also a Presidential fellow at Yale Divinity School for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Her books include Women in the Church of God in Christ: Making A Sanctified World, published by The University of North Carolina Press. Her current projects include two books for UNC Press, White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America, out in March 2021, and Reading Race: How Publishing created a lifeline for Black Baptists in Post Reconstruction America.

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