253 - Multi-Ethnic Churches and the Liberating Power of Lament with Pastor Inés Velásquez-McBryde

If you long to see God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, this conversation is for you. Be the Bridge founder and podcast host, Latasha Morrison, is joined by Pastor Inés Velásquez-McBryde. She brings her heart, experiences, and wisdom to this episode as they discuss the dynamics of multi-ethnic churches. They consider the importance of understanding systemic history in order to plant multi-ethnic churches and the history of colonization in the Americas, the liberating power of lamentation and the hope and beauty of reimagining church. They also connect the struggle of the early church in desegregation and in integration with the continued struggles in the U.S. church today. If you are a pastor doing the work of reconciliation, stay tuned until the end to hear Pastor Inés speak a powerful prayer over you. This needed conversation holds the needed reminders of the gift of the Brown church and the continual goodness of God.

Quotes:

“The immigrant church in the U.S. is a gift. The Brown church is a gift to the U.S. church. We are a means of God's grace.” -Inés Velásquez-McBryde

“Often I found out that people wanted proximity to people of color in the pew, but they did not want proximity to the pain of people of color outside of the pew.” -Inés Velásquez-McBryde

“We are only adopted into the family of God because of justice.” -Latasha Morrison 

“Reckoning has to begin with repentance. And if there's no lamentation, there cannot be liberation.” -Inés Velásquez-McBryde

“This work as a reconciler is a lifestyle and we're always learning.” -Latasha Morrison

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The Church We Hope For

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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.