Beyond the White Church narrates the author’s awakening to the harm racism spreads throughout the white-dominant U.S. church. From seminary to missionary work overseas to serving as a pastor, this growing awareness, combined with the guidance of mentors, ignited a passion to join colleagues in disrupting white supremacy.
The author’s experiences as the pastor of a multiracial church in Baltimore and a Black congregation in Brooklyn inspired him to start a new church in the Bronx. Partnering with Latinx, Black, multiracial, and white young adults, they battled billionaire developers, protested anti-Black policing, and democratized the church’s teaching and preaching ministries.
A partner in starting the Bronx church became his mentor in joining a Black Methodists for Church Renewal-led campaign to disrupt racist policies in the New York area United Methodist Church. These gritty stories explore strategies, reflect on setbacks, and celebrate breakthroughs. They will also spark conversations that energize readers to continue disrupting racism and rebuilding faith communities.
What Readers Will Discover
Real-world strategies for disrupting racism in faith communities
Stories of breakthrough moments and honest reflections on setbacks
A blueprint for building multiracial, anti-racist churches
Inspiration for continuing the work of justice and liberation
What People Are Saying
Testimonials will be added as they become available
“This book offers an insightful trove of antiracist and anti-hierarchical church ministry practices that radically challenge the repressive politics in our local and national community life. Rev. Cunningham’s inspiring storytelling displays wisdom and humility desperately needed right now from other white social justice faith leaders.”
Rev. Dr. Traci C. West, author of Disruptive Christian Ethics: When Racism and Women’s Lives Matter
“The personal, profound, and sometimes painful details of this compelling memoir shed light on the many contradictions of the White church. Longtime pastor Doug Cunningham’s narrative feels like meeting a dear friend willing to share the intimacies of this struggle with honesty and the courage of self-interrogation–a model of cross-racial and collaborative ministry where the gospel of liberation comes alive.”
Professor Jeannine Hill Fletcher, Author, The Sin of White Supremacy: Christianity, & Racism and Religious Diversity in America
“I laughed and cried while reading these deeply moving stories. Listening, becoming vulnerable, pushing beyond the privilege of white skin, unlearning and learning anew – this is a baptism into the work of confronting past centuries of colonialism within a growing community of solidarity. Thank you for this witness!”
Deaconess Norma P. Dollaga General Secretary, Ecumenical Center for Development, Philippines 2024 Recipient of the World Methodist Peace Award
“Doug Cunningham has written an extraordinary memoir about his journey from being a person of privilege to becoming a minister called to build a Beloved Community that transcends boundaries of race, sex, and class. Join him on his pilgrimage and see the possibilities, challenges, and blessings in these troubled times.”
Donald H. Matthews, PhD. Author, Can This Church Live? & Honoring the Ancestors
“Doug Cunningham joined our experiment–foreign missionaries living and working like our local church workers, and challenging the colonial Christianity imposed by the U.S. church. When Doug worked with us, he wrote about his experiences with our mass movements and rallies against U.S. intervention. Now, he offers this powerful testimonial—essential reading!”
Bishop Erme R. Camba former General Secretary (1986-1994) United Church of Christ in the Philippines
“I first met Rev. Doug at an anti-racism course in Baltimore. He shared a vision of building a multiracial ministry at St. Luke’s. I started attending and loved it: transforming Bible Study, anti-racism study circles, community organizing training… When he began New Day Church in the Bronx, a carload of us went up for the first service. We were so inspired by the multiracial energy there that we made the trip several times.”
Cynthia Taylor Conference Secretary and Laity Co-Chairperson of the 2024 General Conference Delegation Baltimore-Washington Conference, The United Methodist Church
Ready to Join the Movement?
Order your copy of Beyond the White Church and be part of disrupting racism and rebuilding faith communities.
