An End To This Strife: The Politics Of Gender In African American Churches

Williams's important work argues that taking the New Testament and particularly Galatians 3:28 seriously should lead the black churches to challenge sexism and racism, not only in society at large, but also in African American churches ans denominational bodies as well. Remaining true to the liberating principle of the Bible--the equality of all people before God--which has been used effectively by black churches to address racism, classism, and sexism, dictates addressing oppressive practices in African American and other churches, too. William's argument unfolds first through looking at the biblical picture, especially the figure of Jesus and his ministry and his breaking the social barriers of his day. It then shows how African American Christians have historically appropriated this lens and legacy in their own religious and social experience, and finally shows how this vision pertains to the state of black women in the churches today. A thoughtful work, Williams's book will help all Christian churches reappropriate the "magna carta of the Christian movement for today and serve as a model for how the biblical text can be responsibly employed in the churches and the public arena.