INTRODUCTION
The Raceless Gospel Initiative is faith seeking understanding—without race. It is a didactic, multifaceted ministry of communication that decenters the sociopolitical construct of race and its progeny for the sake of Jesus’ gospel and in hopes of practicing an inclusive hospitality for a raceless “kin-dom” of God to come.
The initiative seeks to ultimately undermine the credibility of the sociopolitical construct of race in all Christian communications and in all Christian communities so that Jesus followers can live more deeply into their baptismal identity.
REVIEWS
The work to deconstruct a worldwide off-base socio-political construct, such as race, is not for the faint of heart. The work of TRGI seeks to deconstruct, displace, and dislocate a long misguided belief that race has anything to do with the sacredness and worthiness of each individual. This is a groundbreaking work that will dismantle generational deep hurt and build up the Kingdom as forgiven and grace-full children of God.
This is the most important book I have seen in DECADES for Christians, on the fallacy of race. This preacher is a prophet – I have admired her for years. This workbook should be in every adult church curriculum in this country, until we get to that Raceless Gospel. Race IS another gospel. Why have we followed it so long? The framing of how we “turn the tables,” is a visual we can understand and imitate. The blank page at the end should intimidate but inspire all of us.
The Raceless Gospel by Rev. Starlette Thomas is mind-blowing, riveting and educational. When Rev. Thomas started her sermon with a song, ‘Jesus Loves the Little Children,’ a song I had song from my youth and passed to younger generations, I realized the tragedy of this song. Jesus loves us regardless of race. This song, like many other things, has been indoctrinated into our spiritual lessons. The Raceless Gospel is a must have continual experience. You will thank me later.
What I admire most about Reverend Thomas is her unapologetic fierceness in her mission to dismantle race. Her mission is not merely a career and even transcends a calling. Dismantling race and all its associated evils are her passion. Reverend Thomas is a genuine and fully equipped warrior who has not only seen and lived the horrific pains of racism, but she is strategically on the battlefield as she fights this societal ill with grace, fortitude, and power.
Starlette Thomas is a ghostbuster! She pastorally and prophetically deconstructs the ineffable apparition called “race” which has haunted and harassed the church and this country for centuries. Recently, I was privileged to participate in a community cohort of Christians where Rev. Thomas worshipfully led us in lamenting the very idea of race, a concept that would be funny if it was not so deadly.
PODCAST
Rev. Starlette Thomas is a womanist in ministry and the host of “The Raceless Gospel.” In this ongoing conversation, Word meets Flesh. Thomas and guests talk about that taboo trinity — race, religion and politics.
Starlette Thomas, your podcast pastor, is here to tell you that the doors of this church are open!
- Season 3, Body Language, looks at the North American church’s body language, examining how we have mishandled and marginalized some of our members.
- A special limited Advent 2021 series, reflected on faith, peace, joy and love, and considered the significance of Jesus’ birth for Mary then and for us today.
- Bodywork, the theme of Season 2, addressed the damage that the church in North America has done to itself.
- In Season 1, Thomas and her guests fleshed out that taboo trinity — race, religion and politics and everything in between and all that gets in between Christians.
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MULTIMEDIA
Request a Workshop / Presentation, Consultation or Preaching Opportunity
Starlette Thomas, director of The Raceless Gospel Initiative, is available to lead workshops, presentations or consultations for houses of faith and other organizations related to the Raceless Gospel. She is also available for preaching opportunities. To begin a conversation with Starlette, please complete the form below.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
TRGI ARTICLES BY STARLETTE THOMAS
Following Jesus Can Get You Kicked Out of Church
Following Jesus can result in you getting kicked out of a church. It’s an experience that both Clarence Jordan and I have in common. Ironically, American discipleship doesn’t come with that warning or many examples.
New Resource Available from The Raceless Gospel Initiative
With U.S. Thanksgiving approaching, millions are planning to gather around the table. All of this got me to thinking about our table manners and Jesus’ table ministry as outlined in Luke’s Gospel.
New Resources on Baptismal Identity and The Raceless Gospel
Baptism offers a radical theology of liberation. Yes, too often it is seen as only one of the requirements for church membership and an addendum to the regular worship service. It is so much more than this.
Returning to the Baptismal Waters Is Essential to Post-Racial Identity
Reading lists and seminars will not lead us to a post-racial society. It requires the baptismal waters, where Christians are led to die to being self-made by race. No one else can do this work for you.
Celebrating an Icon Who Embodied Freedom
It’s someone’s 200th birthday! But how do you celebrate an embodiment of freedom? The answer is, “All year long.” I recently visited the birthplace of this icon, finding encouragement in her life’s work and witness.
Why the North American Church Must Return to the Baptismal Waters
North American Christians are struggling with their identity. They call lots of business meetings, but is anyone calling for a checkup for the body of Christ? Because it’s not looking too good.