254 - Challenging the Western Church's Views on Missions with African Missiologist, Thought Leader, Author Mekdes Haddis

Have you ever questioned if Christianity is a white man’s religion? Have you ever wondered if there is a better way to do missions and church planting? African Missiologist and thought leader, Mekdes Haddis joins Latasha Morrison on this Be the Bridge podcast episode to challenge the Western Church’s view on missions. She invites listeners into a history of Ethiopian Christianity and how the Doctrine of Discovery remains embedded in the modern mission movement. Their discussion points to the brutal impact of good intentions and how church plants can often be facilitators of gentrification. Mekdes reminds us that Black and Brown leaders and pastors are already doing the work and there are wholesome ways to empower, support, and join them in that work. This needed conversation, along with Mekdes’ book A Just Mission, encourages a reframing of missions and a pursuit of racial righteousness.

Quotes:

“Christianity is not Western culture.” -Latasha Morrison

“For anybody that says Christianity is a white man's religion, I would say go and visit the ancient Ethiopian churches that have been there for centuries, before any white man ever came into Africa.” -Mekdes Haddis

“Our good intent does not always produce good impact.” -Mekdes Haddis

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A Just Mission book by Mekdes Haddis

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Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison

Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown

Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts

Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization.