Race(ism)

Racism and xenophobia in our modern times are often grounded in Biblical roots. Infamously, Adolf Hitler even cited the Bible in support for his vision of an elite race. This damage is perpetuated in liturgies and hymns when darkness is demonized, and light is praised. It is the work of not only the Minister, but also the practicing Christian, to identify and replace that language in our Bible, prayers and liturgies which can harm or exclude people based on their race or ethnicity. What follows are samples of these problematic terms, and suggestions for their replacements.

*Image source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/uk-cathedral-to-to-install-painting-of-the-last-supper-with-a-black-jesus-6485209/