By Wednesday Jones 
Charleston Branch, South Carolina, USA 

Learning about the Black Saints mentioned in my article [found in the January/February 2025 Herald] and their lives in the church felt significant to me as a Black woman in many ways. 

While none of the individuals featured are my ancestors, they all are my predecessors. I know my life has been positively affected by theirs. And I wanted to know about them, recognize them, and share what I learned from them. 

I relate to them in many ways, and in many ways our experiences have differed. 

It may be in different ways, but I felt connected with the belief that this faith community has a specific divine calling. I admired the commitment to growing our faith community into a place where we are closer to Zion. I feel driven to do the same in whatever way I can. 

There is also the matter of representation. While this is not the case in my local congregation, I often find myself as the only Black person in some Community of Christ spaces. I understand times, in and out of the church, when I am cast in the role of emissary for my race. I empathize with them here. 

Even if all intentions are good, the burden of responsibility is felt, and harms must be taken with grace. If intentions are not good, I may have to defend my people in ways they may not have been permitted to. Both take a toll. 

My family also has questioned my decision to join this faith community, Community of Christ. My decision to attend what they see as a White church certainly has led to questioning, various historical accusations, and admitted apologetics on my part. 

Like Amy Robbins, I once brought a relative to church with me, and while the guest thought the people were nice, that Sunday, an art piece of a White-looking Jesus affirmed, for him, this church was not a place he wanted to return. 

I invited a Black friend, and a White church member said likely unintentional things that supported the racist gentrification of his community and joked about his housing status. On a positive note, once explained, this sister asked for forgiveness, and forgiveness was received. She learned from the incident, grew from it, and moved forward. My point is to say that that sort of apprehension from my Black community isn’t out of nothing. I have experienced irresponsible use of scripture that denigrates people of color—among other things. This is true.  

Fortunately, the only time I’ve been questioned about why I am here in church spaces, it’s been genuinely asking about my experience, whether it be my conversion or being a “church-going” young adult. It does not pass my notice that sometimes it’s a question to do with me being a convert who is a Black American, but it hasn’t happened out of hate, just curiosity. 

I take these questions with good nature and candor, and it can be an illuminating conversation, though sometimes it can feel revealing of myself. 

Today, I think Community of Christ does a better job of being an inclusive and equitable place. I experience much of that Christian brotherhood daily, from my local congregation to my wider faith community. 

And I have seen action. I recall attending a session on racial justice put on by a mission center that seemed a little unsure, as one may be with new information, but proceeded on sharing difficult truths with bravery for the education of its community. I, and many others, use resources from Community of Christ’s Diversity and Inclusion Team to help make church spaces welcoming and inclusive. 

I conclude with some questions I asked myself, inspired by the prophetic letter to the Saint’s Herald by Amy Robbins: 

Who are we excluding from the gospel today—as a church, congregation, individual? Is anyone being told, 'You can’t sit with us?' or that 'Your kind isn’t fit for Zion?' Among the races, the poor, disabled, transgender, queer, undocumented, refugees, colonized, the incarcerated, the oppressed, etc., is anyone being relegated to second class in paper or practice? 

Much remains to do to build Zion. And it will take every willing hand to do it. We are tasked to join as siblings in Christ to carry out the Lord’s work and welcome all who desire to respond to God’s call. 

The Black Saints knew there was a home for them in this breathing faith movement and made one. Because of them, I am reassured there is space for me here, as well. Even when it’s implied I am out of place, I know, like they knew, that the gospel is for all people.