Baptismal Covenant and Antiracist Identity: A Phenomenological Study of Christian Antiracist Formation in a United Methodist Church

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of confession, repentance, and Baptismal Identity within the Antiracist Identity of four, White Christians to further the work of Antiracist transformation and organizing in the local church. The primary methodology for this work was exploratory utilizing phenomenological, semi-structured, in-depth interviewing with a sample of four, White Christians at Eastern United Methodist Church. The thesis was that Baptismal Identity, and the Christian practices of confession and repentance in the work of Antiracism liberates White Christians to joyfully make space for all people to experience the liberating love of God.