Taking Action: Practical Ways to Decenter Whiteness in Church

Decentering whiteness in the church requires intentional actions that challenge the dominance of white cultural norms, leadership structures, and theological perspectives while uplifting the voices, experiences, and wisdom of marginalized communities. Here are some practical steps churches can take:

  1. Examine and Acknowledge Biases: Conduct church-wide self-assessments, hold discussions on whiteness and privilege, and encourage personal reflection among white members.

  2. Diversify Leadership and Decision-Making: Ensure meaningful leadership roles for People of Color (POC), share decision-making power, and prioritize hiring diverse clergy and staff.

  3. Decolonize Worship and Theology: Incorporate diverse prayers, hymns, and liturgies. Study theologies by scholars of color. Challenge the centering of white, Western Christianity.

  4. Change How the Church Engages in Mission and Service: Shift from charity to partnership models. Support Black- and Indigenous-led organizations. Follow the leadership of marginalized communities.

  5. Teach Anti-Racism as a Spiritual Practice: Offer studies and sermons centering racial justice. Engage scripture with a liberationist lens. Encourage participation in anti-racism workshops.

  6. Rethink Church Spaces and Symbols: Reevaluate Eurocentric artwork and décor. Introduce diverse depictions of the divine. Make land acknowledgments a regular practice.

  7. Shift Language and Liturgy: Avoid centering white experiences. Be mindful of language reinforcing racial hierarchy. Use inclusive, decolonized liturgies.

  8. Build Relationships Across Racial Lines: Develop partnerships with historically Black, Indigenous, and POC-led churches. Participate in racial justice coalitions. Amplify voices of POC leaders.

  9. Commit to Long-Term Transformation: Recognize decentering whiteness as an ongoing commitment. Develop a racial justice accountability plan. Regularly revisit policies.

  10. Encourage White Members to Do Their Own Work: Promote self-education on racism. Encourage participation in white affinity groups for accountability. Challenge white fragility.