Clarence Shuler - Winning the Race to Unity: Is Racial Reconciliation Really Working?

1998, 2003 by
Dr. Clarence F. Shuler

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

All Scripture quotations, unless indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV . Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version.

Quotations from Lincoln: An Illustrated Biography by Philip B. Kunhardt Jr., Philip B. Kunhardt III, and Peter W. Kunhardt. Copyright 1994 by Philip B. Kunhardt Jr., Philip B. Kunhardt III, and Peter W. Kunhardt. Reprinted by permission of Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

Quotations from Black Reconstruction in America, 18601880. Reprinted with the permission of Scribner, a Division of Simon & Schuster Inc. from Black Reconstruction in America, 18601880 by W. E. B. Du Bois. Copyright 1935 and renewed 1962 W. E. Burghardt Du Bois.

Editor: Cheryl Dunlop
Cover Design: Penny Hunter, Hunter Communications
Interior Design: Ragont Design

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Shuler, Clarence.

Winning the race to unity: is racial reconciliation really working? / Clarence Shuler.
p. cm.
Includes biographical references
ISBN 978-0-8024-8159-7
1. Race relationsReligious aspectsBaptists. 2. ReconciliationReligious aspectsBaptists. 3. United StatesRace relations. I. Title
BT734.2.S53 2003
261.834800973dc21

2002156572

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Clarence Shuler has been a wonderful resource to Moody Bible Institute, bringing a wealth of experience both personally and professionally to bear on the issue of racial partnership. This is a must-read for anyone desiring to move boldly into Gods perfect will for His bodya body without schismfit for heaven!

Joseph Stowell
President, Cornerstone University
Former president, Moody Bible Institute

I have just finished reading Winning the Race to Unity. I must immediately take two simple actions. Ill call my friend Laurie who attends an African American church in Chicago and ask if I can go to church with her next Sunday. I need to sit in her congregation to listen and learn. If we do not become active participants in the solution, we will be counted among those perpetuate the problem and thereby break, again and again, the heart of God. The first edition of Winning the Race to Unity opened doors of understanding and healing between blacks and whites in Bridging the Racial Divide small groups at Willow Creek. May the impact of this second edition be even broader and deeper.

Lynne Hybels
Author, editor, and speaker

Clarence Shulers book is a must-read for people of every race and culture who are confused about the term racial reconciliation, and frustrated with the current state of race relations. It is an equipping, challenging, healing, and compelling book! Through powerful personal stories, we are led to a singular conclusiononly by following the healing power of the Word of God can we build what he calls racial partnerships as a way of life. Clarence Shulers message is clear. There is no middle ground. White believers must take the initiative to remove the pain and injustices caused to people of color by racism, but everyone must act. The bottom line isthe Church must choose between Christ and culture in order to bring about unity within the body of Christ.

Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner
President,
Skinner Leadership Institute

It is time for all of us in the body of Christ to be serious about loving one another, regardless of race or ethnicity. This is a life message and a burden that I believe God has placed on the heart of my brother Clarence Shuler. As you read this book, pray that God will speak to your own heart about what you can do to help bring about true biblical unity among Christians.

Bob Lepine
Co-Host,
FamilyLife Today

I heartily endorse Clarence Shulers book Winning the Race to Unity. I have read several books on the subject and this one spoke to me more deeply than most. Clarence is helping the Christian community understand what biblical diversity looks like and how we can take practical steps toward an authentic unity through his writings and seminars.

Dr. William J. Hamel
President,
Evangelical Free Church of America

The church cannot focus too aggressively on the need for transethnic sensitivity and spiritually motivated therapy for our wounds in this arena of separation. If Christians can gain ground in racial unity, maybe well be able to learn to win the big battlethe one that separates the church attitudinally, as our sectarianism biases divide us.

Jack W. Hayford
Pastor Emeritus,
The Church on the Way

Clarence Shuler has captured through his life experience the principles that lead to deeper dialogue and practice in race reconciliation. I encourage the reading of this important book.

Matthew Parker
President,
Institute for Black Family Development

Shuler challenges us to hunger for the nations in our own communities. With thought-provoking questions and biblical principles, Shuler breaks down the communications barriers among Gods people.

Myrna Gutierrez
President/CEO,
Integrated Solutions

Clarence understands both the black and the white communities with striking depth and compassion. He challenges us in this book as few could. Clarence is helping us to move forward with vision and hope.

John and Susan Yates
popular writers and speakers in the area of family life

Clarences book raises crucial questions concerning authentic racial unity in the body of Christ. His chapter on how to relate to the Black community is an instant classic. For those tired of playing the same old games, I heartily recommend this book.

Chris Rice
Senior Fellow, Northeast Asia Reconciliation Initiative
Duke Divinity School

Finally, a thought-provoking book that asks readers to discern racial reconciliation from an African American perspective! Clarence Shuler challenges Christians to examine the misuse of culture, power and ethics within the body of Christ and to work for the fair treatment of all humanity regardless of their social status. A must read for all who wish to transcend racial and cultural barriers.