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Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife
RALEIGH WASHINGTON is the senior pastor of Rock of Our Salvation Church and acting vice-president of reconciliation for Promise keepers. GLEN KEHREIN is the executive director of Circle Urban Ministries in Chicago.
- GenresJustice
241 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 1994
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July 25, 2023
Written in the 90s by the founders of the church we are now part of. Incredible piece of history recounting the ministry these men established, and it was so special to read as part of this ongoing community. The first half is their biographies, and the second breaks down their ‘model for racial reconciliation’ into eight principles. Nuanced, frank, practical, and puts the gospel at the center of it all. So much sacrifice and patience is required to participate in reconciliation, but it is for the sake of so much healing and joy.
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April 6, 2025Book Review: Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife by Glen Kehrein and Raleigh Washington
Introduction
Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife is a notable work co-authored by Glen Kehrein and Raleigh Washington, initially published in the wake of the Los Angeles Riots in 1993. This book seeks to provide a framework for understanding and navigating the complex dynamics of race relations in America, promoting dialogue, healing, and reconciliation in a society often divided by racial tensions. The authors, coming from diverse backgrounds, utilize their personal experiences and insights to address the urgent need for racial reconciliation.
Summary of Content
The book is structured to guide readers through the multifaceted issues surrounding racial strife, beginning with a historical overview of race relations in the United States. Kehrein and Washington emphasize the importance of acknowledging past injustices as a crucial step towards healing. They provide compelling narratives and case studies that illustrate the consequences of racism and the potential for positive change when communities engage in meaningful dialogue.
Central to the authors’ thesis is the concept of reconciliation as an active process that requires participation from individuals across racial boundaries. The book outlines practical steps for fostering understanding, including community-building initiatives, educational programs, and spiritual engagement. Through personal anecdotes and testimonies, Kehrein and Washington inspire readers to confront their biases and take responsibility for creating a more equitable society.
Themes and Analysis
Several key themes emerge throughout Breaking Down Walls:
The Importance of Acknowledgment: The authors argue that reconciliation begins with recognizing the historical and ongoing impact of racism. They stress that without acknowledging the past, genuine healing cannot occur.
Community Engagement: Kehrein and Washington advocate for grassroots efforts in reconciliation, emphasizing that change must stem from the community level rather than solely relying on institutional reforms.
Faith and Spirituality: The authors infuse their message with a spiritual dimension, suggesting that faith communities can play a pivotal role in fostering reconciliation. They highlight the potential for churches and religious organizations to facilitate transformative dialogues.
Dialogue and Understanding: The book underscores the necessity of open communication between different racial groups. Kehrein and Washington present dialogue as a tool for dismantling stereotypes and building empathy.
Style and Writing
Kehrein and Washington’s writing is accessible and engaging, blending personal reflections with scholarly analysis. Their conversational tone invites readers from various backgrounds to consider their perspectives on race and reconciliation. The use of illustrative stories and real-world examples enriches the narrative, making complex concepts easier to grasp. The authors balance emotional appeals with factual data, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and possibilities in racial reconciliation.
Conclusion
Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife is an essential contribution to the discourse on race relations in America. Glen Kehrein and Raleigh Washington offer a thoughtful and actionable framework for individuals and communities seeking to navigate the difficult terrain of racial strife. Their insights into the processes of acknowledgment, community engagement, and dialogue present a hopeful vision for reconciliation amidst ongoing challenges. This book is highly recommended for scholars, community leaders, and anyone invested in fostering a more just and harmonious society. Through its compelling narrative and practical guidance, Breaking Down Walls serves as a vital resource for those committed to dismantling the barriers that divide us.
Introduction
Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife is a notable work co-authored by Glen Kehrein and Raleigh Washington, initially published in the wake of the Los Angeles Riots in 1993. This book seeks to provide a framework for understanding and navigating the complex dynamics of race relations in America, promoting dialogue, healing, and reconciliation in a society often divided by racial tensions. The authors, coming from diverse backgrounds, utilize their personal experiences and insights to address the urgent need for racial reconciliation.
Summary of Content
The book is structured to guide readers through the multifaceted issues surrounding racial strife, beginning with a historical overview of race relations in the United States. Kehrein and Washington emphasize the importance of acknowledging past injustices as a crucial step towards healing. They provide compelling narratives and case studies that illustrate the consequences of racism and the potential for positive change when communities engage in meaningful dialogue.
Central to the authors’ thesis is the concept of reconciliation as an active process that requires participation from individuals across racial boundaries. The book outlines practical steps for fostering understanding, including community-building initiatives, educational programs, and spiritual engagement. Through personal anecdotes and testimonies, Kehrein and Washington inspire readers to confront their biases and take responsibility for creating a more equitable society.
Themes and Analysis
Several key themes emerge throughout Breaking Down Walls:
The Importance of Acknowledgment: The authors argue that reconciliation begins with recognizing the historical and ongoing impact of racism. They stress that without acknowledging the past, genuine healing cannot occur.
Community Engagement: Kehrein and Washington advocate for grassroots efforts in reconciliation, emphasizing that change must stem from the community level rather than solely relying on institutional reforms.
Faith and Spirituality: The authors infuse their message with a spiritual dimension, suggesting that faith communities can play a pivotal role in fostering reconciliation. They highlight the potential for churches and religious organizations to facilitate transformative dialogues.
Dialogue and Understanding: The book underscores the necessity of open communication between different racial groups. Kehrein and Washington present dialogue as a tool for dismantling stereotypes and building empathy.
Style and Writing
Kehrein and Washington’s writing is accessible and engaging, blending personal reflections with scholarly analysis. Their conversational tone invites readers from various backgrounds to consider their perspectives on race and reconciliation. The use of illustrative stories and real-world examples enriches the narrative, making complex concepts easier to grasp. The authors balance emotional appeals with factual data, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and possibilities in racial reconciliation.
Conclusion
Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife is an essential contribution to the discourse on race relations in America. Glen Kehrein and Raleigh Washington offer a thoughtful and actionable framework for individuals and communities seeking to navigate the difficult terrain of racial strife. Their insights into the processes of acknowledgment, community engagement, and dialogue present a hopeful vision for reconciliation amidst ongoing challenges. This book is highly recommended for scholars, community leaders, and anyone invested in fostering a more just and harmonious society. Through its compelling narrative and practical guidance, Breaking Down Walls serves as a vital resource for those committed to dismantling the barriers that divide us.
November 25, 2017
Though focused on events of 25 years ago, the points are just as relevant today. That's both comforting, in that there's a clear if difficult path forward and disconcerting as we've not made nearly as much progress as we should have over this point in time. The personal story of Raleigh Washington resonated with me on so many levels, in some cases it was painful. So it was with joy that I read the eventual outcome of the story. The need for racial reconciliation is as strong as ever and the eight principles contained in this book are as relevant as ever. The principles are not complicated to understand, nor are they unique to cross-cultural relationships. Their effectiveness is not in question. Commitment to relationship, intentionality, sincerity, sensitivity, interdependence, sacrifice, empowerment, and call are at the heart of authentic community. However, living them out within the context of cross-cultural relationships can be difficult, frustrating, and demanding. This book doesn't shy away from this truth and that's what makes it so powerful.
October 19, 2016
This is a seminal book that touches on the rewarding and somewhat painful path to racial reconciliation. The key is humility and taking responsibility. I red the lessons from this book for many years when I was working with young adults.
August 5, 2008
important stuff
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews