Before we can begin a new journey, we need to understand the map. Two terms that are central to this work, and which are often confused, are "racial justice" and "decentering whiteness." While they are deeply connected, they have different focuses.
Racial Justice focuses on addressing systemic racism and achieving equity by eliminating discrimination, repairing historical harm, and ensuring fair opportunities for marginalized racial groups. This work often involves advocating for policies, reforming inequitable systems, and amplifying the lived experiences of people of color. Think of movements like Black Lives Matter, pushing for equitable access to resources, and implementing anti-racism education in our communities.
Decentering Whiteness seeks to challenge the cultural dominance of white norms, values, and perspectives that pervade societal institutions. It involves recognizing and dismantling whiteness as the implicit standard, creating space for diverse voices, and fostering cultural humility. This process includes revising our worship practices, rethinking organizational practices, and amplifying non-white narratives in our theology.
Why is this work vital for the church? We believe the church has both a unique opportunity and a sacred responsibility to reflect God's inclusive love. Historically, churches have often upheld and perpetuated systems of racial inequity and exclusion, sometimes unknowingly. By actively addressing and dismantling these systems, we align ourselves with the biblical call to justice, compassion, and love for all our neighbors.
So, what does it look like when a church centers whiteness? It can show up in many ways, sometimes unintentionally:
Tokenism instead of inclusion, such as only inviting a person of color to lead on special occasions without integrating their voices into the regular life of the church.
Ignoring racial justice in theology and worship, focusing exclusively on Eurocentric hymns, art, and theological perspectives.
Prioritizing the comfort of white members over the needs for justice and reconciliation, such as downplaying the urgency of anti-racism work to avoid discomfort.
Using a "colorblind" approach, claiming "We don't see color," which effectively ignores the realities of systemic racism and the unique challenges faced by people of color.
While racial justice addresses systemic inequities broadly, decentering whiteness focuses on transforming cultural and institutional frameworks to ensure true equity and inclusion. Together, these approaches work hand-in-hand to create a more just and equitable society.
Next Step: Does your church want to learn more? Our website has a dedicated page on Understanding Decentering Whiteness with more examples. Take a look, and be ready for our next post, which will introduce the levels of our program.