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.
Comments
No comments I see. This is sad. I am not well educated in the representation of minorities in our denomination. But having children of African American heritage I have come to view our denominations struggle with race reconciliation with interest. I doubt very much that we would be attending a CRC church in BC if it were not for my job here (New Life CRC). I'm not a fan of affirmative action plans that amount to haphazard attempts to be diverse. I do believe we need firm action that affirms qualified minority pastors and leaders to walk into the fullness of their calling. I do believe there is something in the trends posted here that needs further consideration.
Thank you for your honesty
Let's Discuss
We love your comments! Thank you for helping us uphold the Community Guidelines to make this an encouraging and respectful community for everyone.