The Heart of Racial Justice: How Soul Change Leads to Social Change

Review"Brenda and Rick, through their partnership and new paradigm, are providing us a way through the increasing racial and ethnic divide in our world. Racial and ethnic divisions require reconciliation that transforms the whole person and issues in corporate change. This new paradigm does not make the process easy but provides a path of hope forward for an increasingly troubled and divided world." -- Geri Rodman, president, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship/Canada"If there is hope that our country will ever see progress in race relations, it undoubtedly lies in the hands of our next generation. Thankfully, this book by Brenda Salter McNeil and Rick Richardson equips them--and the rest of us slow learners--with astute insights, grounded strategies, practical help and heavenly visions. It reminds us that diversity was no accident; it was God's idea all along, and these two visionaries invite us to embrace it and celebrate it as it was always meant to be." -- Jo Kadlecek, coauthor with Pamela Toussaint of I Call You Friend: Four Women's Stories of Race, Faith and Friendship"The combination of profound spiritual insight and powerful social application is unique! Brenda and Rick have written an important book for communities of every ethnicity. Read it and be transformed!" -- Rev. Ronald V. Myers Sr., M.D., chairman, National Juneteenth Christian Leadership Council"This is a much-needed work that properly and firmly locates the ministry of racial reconciliation in the biblical context of spiritual warfare and of spiritual transformation. The book identifies God, not us, as the main actor of this kingdom ministry, passionately calling us to join him." -- Peter T. Cha, associate professor, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and coeditor of Growing Heathy Asian American Churches"In a time when we are surrounded by social cynicism toward issues of race, The Heart of Racial Justice welcomes us back to the table of redemptive love and community. It is not set with easy answers but with honest and passionate conversation about the irrefutable reconciling nature of the gospel. We are drawn to this table because the authors embody in their own lives the very nature of the reconciliation which they envision. They are wise teachers more than harsh prophets, loving mentors more than judgmental critics, and experienced guides more than sermonizing spectators. They dare to believe there is hope at this table, and we leave nurtured with provisions to join the movement for reconciliation." -- Dr. Keith R. Anderson, coauthor of Spiritual Mentoring"Brenda Salter McNeil is one of the most compelling voices for reconciliation in our day. She has joined with Rick Richardson, one of her long-term partners in the ministry of racial reconciliation, to write this important book. In this book the authors challenge emerging leaders in the church to choose to become a reconciliation generation. To this end The Heart of Racial Justice provides spiritual tools to equip people to dismantle the social construction of racism. This book makes a valuable contribution to the growing conversation on racial reconciliation." -- Curtiss Paul DeYoung, professor of reconciliation studies, Bethel University"What Rick and Brenda do in this biblically grounded book is to make reconciliation practical through the example of their friendship, reflecting on those who have gone on before them and building on (and appreciating) what each one has to offer. I highly recommend that you take time to read The Heart of Racial Justice. It is a blueprint for the Christian church." -- From the foreword by John M. Perkins, author of Beyond Charity: The Call to Christian Community DevelopmentRacial and ethnic hostility is one of the most pervasive problems the church faces. It hinders our effectiveness as one body of believers. It damages our ability to witness to and serve seekers. Why won't this problem just go away? Because it is a spiritual batt