I finished Dear Church by Pr. Lenny Duncan and what can I say?
As I was reading it, I had a strong desire to prove myself- I’m not like that because I do this, this, and this. That desire was coming from a place of denial. My church couldn’t be like this, but...it is. I can’t be like this, but...I am.

Every year, at any Synod Assembly, there will be several videos and reports reporting how diverse the ELCA is or how LGBTQIA friendly it is or how much things are progressively moving forward. Duncan, in his book, stops the video and interrupts the reports and through his love of the church calls for a reality mirror to be held up with a “yes, but...” He writes on the experience of clergy of color in the ELCA and the predecessor churches, on systemic racism at the root of the church, LGBTQIA experiences, and continues to push through his own story.

The sad part is, I wonder if the book will make it into the hands of individuals who don’t want to read it, but need to read it. Will the Conference of Bishops do a book study on it or will it be ignored like the book of stories written by clergy of color about their experiences submitted by Project Connect all those years ago? Will Synodical church councils pick it up and make it an active part of their discussions? Will a white clergy person in an all white congregation in Ruraltown, USA who has benefitted by the Good Old Boys Club Network (yes, it still exists) be willing to not only read it, but do a study on it?

I know my congregational members, who have met Duncan, desired to not only read it, but study it as church. We though already desire change and they are led by a mixed race pastor who talks openly about privilege and race. We (the collective of pastors/members who are already open) will read it, but will it be picked up by those who need to? I certainly hope so. There will be denial, but push past it and listen.
*I received an advanced copy from Fortress Press in exchange for an honest review* ( )

Lenny Duncan talks about his experiences as a black priest in the ELCA. He probably be speaking to many mainline protestant churches. He calls us to address issues of racial justice. At one point he says, "If you are reading this book, I have bad news. You are the leader you have been waiting for."

Well, if you are reading this review right now, I have bad news. You are the reader this book is waiting for. Please read it. Now. ( )

Part manifesto, part confession, and all love letter, Dear Church offers a bold new vision for the future of Duncan's denomination and the broader mainline Christian community of faith. Dear Church rejects the narrative of church decline and calls everyone--leaders and laity alike--to the front lines of the church's renewal through racial equality and justice. ~Amazon