Nashville, Tenn. | Racial reconciliation is the main topic of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission’s 2015 Leadership Summit, which starts today at 1 p.m. The Illinois Baptist is in Nashville covering the event, which today includes plenary sessions on:
- Why racial reconciliation is a gospel issue
- Ferguson, Eric Garner, and your community
- Key issues in racial reconciliation: Poverty, fatherlessness, criminal justice and urban ministry
Tonight, ERLC President Russell Moore will interview civil rights leader John Perkins, and speakers Danny Akin and H.B. Charles will explore how racial reconciliation is shaped by the gospel and the Great Commission. The evening session will conclude with a panel discussion on the church and multi-ethnic ministry.
The Summit was originally scheduled to focus on pro-life issues, but unrest in Ferguson, Mo., and other U.S. cities caused ERLC leaders to change the topic. “Racism and injustice are not just social ills; they are sins against God,” Moore said last year.
“This summit will help equip us to tear down carnal divisions, to bring about peace, so that churches reflect the kingdom of God.”
LifeWay Research has found that while 86% of Protestant senior pastors have congregations with one predominant racial group, only 40% of American churchgoers believe their church needs to become more ethnically diverse.
Check back here for news from the Summit, and in the next issue of the Illinois Baptist.
iB2 News 