As Protestant denominations are fracturing over whether to ordain gays and lesbians, this work looks at The United Methodist Church's conversations about the issue, in light of Methodism's historic contests over the leadership of African Americans and women, to see what can be learned from these earlier periods of change. Using the uniform context of the Methodist General Conference, where denominational policy is set, the book analyzes transcripts of floor debates in key years of these struggles, letting those who argued for and against the changes speak for themselves. Those arguments are read through the lens of French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, whose theory offers a sophisticated model that goes deeper than simple "resistance to change" in articulating a dialectic between social structures and agents that predisposes both to reproduce existing power relationships. This interdisciplinary, historical study seeks to move beyond conscious motivations for the exclusion of these three groups and uncover deeply embedded, misrecognized social dynamics. In exploring these groups' stories, this book examines who holds power in Methodist churches, how changes in authority structures occur, and why it is such a long and painful process.
The photograph, which plays a central role in the book's perspectives from frontline participants, caught a moment when the raw virulence of racism crashed against the defiance of visionaries.
Also, Carters willingness to appoint black activist judges like Nathaniel Jones and A. Leon Higginbotham Jr. was yet another distinguishing feature of his nominations. But for a variety of reasons, no blacks were appointed to the First, ...
Now in paperback is the story of teenage workers and important female activists in their courageous fight for humane working conditions in 1909. Photos.
This memorable collection of poems exhibits Maya Angelou's unique gift for capturing the triumph and pain of being black and every man and woman's struggle to be free.
We Shall Not Be Moved tells the absorbing story of the community leaders who stepped into this void to rebuild the city they loved.
We Shall Not Be Moved presents the surprising travels of a traditional song and analyzes the indispensable role it has played as a social justice hymn in progressive movements in...
Women Living Well is a clear and personal guide to making the most of these precious responsibilities.
Every Sunday, thousands of Christians lift their voices in song and their spirits in worship using the acclaimed Chalice Hymnal-join them and sing from a brilliant blend of 620 easy-to-sing traditional and contemporary hymns.
Evaluates the ways in which the story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott is misrepresented to children.
And not just songwriters. We can all learn.” In addition to 123 photographs and 195 songs, this edition features an introductory note by Nora Guthrie, the daughter of Woody Guthrie and overseer of the Woody Guthrie Foundation.