Removing the Stain of Racism from the Southern Baptist Convention: Diverse African American and White Perspectives

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has a historical stain. The SBC once affirmed slavery and openly opposed and condemned abolitionists. Even though the convention repented of this sin publicly, a profound divide between the white majority and the black and brown minority still exists for many churches.

This stain is more than historical fact; it prohibits Southern Baptist churches from embracing the one new man in Christ promised in Ephesians 2:11–22 and from participating in the new song of the saints from every tongue, tribe, people, and nation in Revelation 5:9.

The glorious gospel of Jesus Christ commands all his followers to do our part in removing racism from our midst. Removing the Stain of Racism from the Southern Baptist Convention is a powerful and practical call to sacrifice, humility, and perseverance—along with a relentless commitment to Christian unity—for the sake of the gospel and our brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

Kevin M. Jones is associate dean of academic innovation and assistant professor of teacher education at Boyce College in Louisville, KY.

Jarvis J. Williams is associate professor of New Testament interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY and author of numerous books and articles.