Faithful Connections: Understanding Ableism, Beloved Community, Equity, and Intersectionality

For communities ready to go deeper in their antiracism journey, Faithful Connections offers a theological and academic framework for understanding and addressing inequity in the church and the world. 

As an extension of GCORR’s accessible What Is? series, this collection of essays is designed for pastors, educators, small group leaders, and students who want to explore core concept with greater historical and theological depth. Using the Wesley Quadrilateral (Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience), each essay situates these concepts within both the biblical witness and real-world ministry practice. 

What You’ll Find Inside

• Pre-work – Comprised of a video link and a general and specific reflection question to orient participant engagement.

• Scholarly, In-Depth Essays – Each piece offers historical analysis, theological reflection, and real-world application. 

• Critical Reflection – Questions guide readers to wrestle with implications for faith, identity, and practice. 

• Facilitator Support – Designed for seminary classrooms, clergy gatherings, or advanced congregational studies. 

• Practical Next Steps – Recommendations for moving from theory to action in building just and equitable communities.  

Why This Matters

Faithful Connections challenges readers to move beyond introductory conversations into sustained study and action. By engaging with this resource, leaders will: 

• Deepen their theological grounding for dismantling racism. 

• Connect deeper with the lived realities of marginalized communities. 

• Equip themselves and others for faithful, justice-centered ministry in a polarized world.  

Essays in This Series

• Ableism – by Rev. Justin Hancock 

• Beloved Community – by Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt 

• Equity – by Rev. April Casperson 

• Intersectionality – by Rev. Dr. Valerie L. Jackson 

💡 Faithful Connections is available for purchase at $80. Invest in this advanced resource for your classroom, congregation, or leadership team, and take the next faithful step toward equity and justice.