{"product_id":"black-and-episcopalian-the-struggle-for-inclusion-9781640654785","title":"Black and Episcopalian: The Struggle for Inclusion","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA personal story of the struggle for \u003ci\u003eauthentic\u003c\/i\u003e inclusion in the church. \u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eFrom a strong voice in the dialogue about what Black lives matter means in relation to faith, a powerful lament and a hopeful message about the future. Historically, to be Episcopal\/Anglican, as it was to be American, was to be white. Assimilation to whiteness has been a measure of success and acceptance, yet, assimilation requires that people of color give up something of themselves and deny parts of their heritage including religious practices that sustained their ancestors. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eDespite the fact that Blackness is on display on Black History Month for example, and Black\/African heritage is given primacy in the liturgy, music, and preaching during that time, at other times this doesn't seem to be the case. The author argues that whiteness is embedded in every aspect of religious life, from seminary to Christian education to last rites. Is it possible to be Black and Episcopalian and not feel alien, she asks. In her words we learn that inclusivity, above all, must be authentic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eFisher-Stewart, Gayle:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cp\u003eGAYLE FISHER-STEWART, editor of \u003ci\u003ePreaching Black Lives Matter\u003c\/i\u003e serves currently as the interim rector at the historically Black, St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Washington, DC. Prior to becoming ordained, she served with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington DC, and later taught at the university level while consulting with local and federal government agencies. She lives in Maryland.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Church Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50525706584338,"sku":"9781640654785","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_b0a5d22e-5c5b-464f-9c6b-95d5f187c7da.jpg?v=1731234713","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/black-and-episcopalian-the-struggle-for-inclusion-9781640654785","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}