Faithful and Forgotten: Navigating Race, Sexuality, and Belonging in the Black Church (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798312635423)

For generations, the Black church has been a cornerstone of resilience, community, and empowerment, serving as a sanctuary for African Americans facing systemic oppression. Rooted in liberation theology and social activism, it has played a crucial role in social movements and cultural identity. However, while the Black church continues to be a source of strength, it also mirrors the complexities and contradictions of the communities it serves. Nowhere is this tension more evident than in its treatment of Black Christian men who have sex with men (MSM)-individuals who often experience faith-based exclusion, stigma, and rejection. This book critically examines how traditional religious beliefs and Eurocentric interpretations of Christianity have shaped the Black church's attitudes toward homosexuality, creating an environment where Black MSM struggle to reconcile their faith, race, and sexuality.

Using Critical Race Theory, Minority Stress Theory, and Intersectionality as analytical frameworks, this research explores the historical, social, and theological factors contributing to the marginalization of Black MSM. Through qualitative interviews and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the book amplifies the voices of those directly impacted by religious exclusion, revealing the spiritual, mental, and behavioral consequences of their experiences. Themes such as family expectations, leadership hypocrisy, and the need for church reformation emerge, highlighting both the pain and resilience of Black MSM navigating these spaces. Ultimately, the book not only critiques but also offers a vision for change, outlining strategies for theological reeducation, leadership accountability, cultural competency, and LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Black church. As the institution stands at a crossroads, this work calls for an urgent shift toward radical inclusivity, reaffirming the church's foundational mission of justice, love, and liberation for all.