Book Review: Dear White Christians: For those Still Longing for Racial Reconciliation

Abstract

Dear White Christians: Those Still Longing for Racial Reconcili- ation. By Jennifer Harvey. Prophetic Christianity series. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans Publishing, 2014. 262 pp. $25.00 (paper).Jennifer Harvey approaches faith-based work against racism with passion and clarity. Attempts at reconciliation, after decades of trying, fall far short of the goal of dismantling racism. The problem lies, she repeatedly reminds us, with racial identity, which complicates our vision of beloved as diverse and reconciled community (p. 65).The book combines a valuable survey and analysis of anti-racism programs and rhetoric in mainline and evangelical churches with her passionate argument about why these efforts have proved ineffective in dismantling racism within the churches or in equipping Christians participate in anti- racist work in their communities outside of church.Harvey is kind the Episcopal, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, and other mainline approaches based on what she calls a universalist ethic, which begins with the premise we are all the same. She frequently cites denominational statements and materials, often lauding them, but at the same time exposing their moral and tactical inadequacy. the UCC's Sacred Conversation on Race, which she calls a high quality attempt to enable white people in particular take up our responsibilities (p. 72), the multi-racial authors end by quoting the denomination s pastoral letter on racism: For those of us who are White, neither the sins of our ancestors nor our own past failures confront racism, need mire us in guilt. those of us who have suffered the ravages of racism, neither our rightful indignation nor our temptation despair need keep us from trusting once again (p. 72).That well-intentioned statement lies at the heart of Harveys argument, which is it is sinful allow white people get out of guilt, while at the same time implying people of color have the responsibility learn trust again. In few no situations of harm and violence, Harvey writes, do we expect a victimized party move trust until there is evidence the victimizer will unequivocally cease victimize and thoroughly repent. few no situations is repentance accepted as anything other than an unequivocally rigorous and costly process of taking responsibility for changing one's ways and finding concrete, effective methods demonstrate the sincerity of repentance, by repairing the actual harm done the greatest extent possible. Going further, Harvey argues that it is disrespectful, perhaps even dangerous, expect people of color start trust unless and until this happens (p. …