True racial reconciliation can never be evident until there is equality in the church hiring process. From my experience as a African American in the CRC I have noticed most people of color are called to plant a church or they are called to pastor a declining ministry that no one else will accept. Regardless of our education or ministry experience, very few established churches in the CRC will ever call a black man to lead their congregations. In cases where black men were called to lead a CRC church most of the white people departed from the congregation.
If this is the case how can we truly become a denomination where true racial reconciliation is prevalent? If we cannot be hired in these churches then the denomination should provide the necessary support and resources for Black churches to exist and thrive in the CRC.
Most importantly churches and departments within the denomination should be honest with candidates if they are not interested in hiring a person of color. These are the issues the Office of Social Justice and Race Relations should be working on.
