Gracism is a made-up word. It is defined by Dr. David Anderson, pastor of Bridgeway Community Church in Columbia, Maryland, as the intentional act of extending positive favor based on color, class, or culture.

In Gracism: The Art of Inclusion, Dr. Anderson advocates justice in action, on a personal and systematic level. To him, gracism is at the very heart of reconciliation. As the founder and senior pastor of one of the nation’s leading multicultural churches, I think he’s qualified to speak to Bible-centric racial reconciliation.

Gracist living doesn’t refuse the good things that life has to offer. It simply refuses to ignore those who aren’t as privileged to enjoy such benefits and is committed to doing something about it.

*[emphasis mine]

The bulk of the book is based on portions of the Apostle Paul’s teachings in 1 Cor 12:22-26, which speaks to the necessity and interdependence of each member of Christ’s body. This small, hardcover book is a quick read. And, I have to admit, that at times I found things a little too neatly packaged. Almost overly simplified.  That said, I do think the book would make a great small group discussion tool, particularly if the group faithfully uses the questions for reflection included at the end of each chapter.

More resources:

• Gracism: The Art of Inclusion on Amazon
• Other books by David Anderson

Adapted from urbanministry.org

Celebrating all that makes us unique and different, [bell hooks's] Skin Again offers new ways to talk about race and identity. Race matters, but only so much-what’s most important is who we are on the inside. Looking beyond skin, going straight to the heart, we find in each other the treasures stored down deep. Learning to cherish those treasures, to be all we imagine ourselves to be, makes us free. Skin Again celebrates this freedom.