Estranged Pioneers

Abstract

Abstract In today’s contentious climate, when diversity is both acclaimed and assaulted, this book examines what it means for people of color to lead in diverse multiracial spaces. Specifically, it examines how pastors of color lead the scarce but growing numbers of multiracial congregations in the United States. The book answers the following questions: What does it mean for pastors of color to lead in multiracial spaces? Who are these pastors of color that serve as head clergy of multiracial congregations? What are the challenges and advantages that they encounter, and how do they manage their role as head clergy? How do their experiences compare to their white pastor counterparts who also head multiracial congregations? The book also discusses the broader implications for other leaders in multiracial contexts. The data come from the first nationally representative comparative study of multiracial congregations across the United States that examines race and pastoral leadership, the Religious Leadership and Diversity Project (2014–16).