New Book Offers Fresh Look at Embracing Diversity within Faith Communities
VALLEY FORGE, PA (11/1/22)—In the new Judson Press release “Building Lasting Bridges: An Updated Handbook for Intercultural Ministries,” Kathryn Choy-Wong, Lucia Ann McSpadden, and Dale M. Weatherspoon provide insights from their diverse cultural and denominational backgrounds for understanding and bridging cultural divides. A timely update from the 1998 publication “Building Bridges,” this book offers a brief theology supporting diversity, followed by reflections from the authors on their personal journeys toward embracing diversity within their faith context. Featuring brief, easily accessible chapters with compelling questions, “Building Lasting Bridges” will serve as a resource for intentional community-building group study or personal growth.
The authors possess extensive experience in cross-cultural, diversity, and racial justice work in academic, denominational, and non-profit settings:
- Choy-Wong is an American Baptist Churches ordained minister and co-founder of I-Relate Intercultural Leadership Institute, a non-profit educational and consulting organization dedicated to creating and providing training and tools to support the development of culturally competent leaders.
- McSpadden is the co-founder and director of I-Relate and author of “Meeting God at the Boundaries: Cross-cultural/Cross-racial Clergy Appointments” and “Meeting God at the Boundaries: A Manual for Church Leaders.”
- Weatherspoon serves as Senior Pastor of the Easter Hill United Methodist Church in Richmond, CA. As a consultant and trainer, he served as a member of the I-Relate Institute.
Culturally diverse Christian leaders nationwide are lauding “Building Lasting Bridges” as:
“A must-read handbook for anyone engaging in intercultural ministries…”
—Rev. Dr. Trinette V. McCray, president, American Baptist National Black Caucus
“Grounded firmly in Scripture’s intercultural vision and buoyed by [the authors’] years of training and experience”
—Hendrik R. Pieterse, Associate Professor of Global Christianity and Intercultural Theology, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
“A much-needed resource at this critical racial moment in our nation.”
—Dr. Russell Jeung, Professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University and Co-Founder of Stop AAPI Hate
“An inspiring and enjoyable read for building healthy Christians in a society of toxic hate.”
—J. Alfred Smith Sr., Pastor Emeritus, Allen Temple Baptist Church, Oakland CA, Professor Emeritus, Berkeley School of Theology, Berkeley CA
“A timely and potentially timeless book…worth the buy.”
—Dr. C. Jeff Woods, General Secretary, American Baptist Churches USA
Supplemental materials for reflection and conversation are available online.
Founded in 1824, Judson Press a publishing ministry of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, produces Christ-centered spiritual and leadership resources for the transformation of individuals, congregations, and communities.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
