At our Annual Conference in Venlo, we were joined by Jarel Robinson-Brown, who has now written a book! Here is a review of that book:

Jarel Robinson-Brown’s Black, Gay, British, Christian: The Church and the Famine of Grace is a prophetic and necessary intervention in the conversation around race, sexuality, and faith in Britain today. As a white, gay minister, I found myself profoundly challenged and at times unsettled by Robinson-Brown’s honest critique of “the white thinking in churches which excludes anyone who is not white, cis, and heteronormative.” The author’s intersectional approach, weaving together the lived realities of Black queer Christians, forced me to confront the ways in which institutional racism and homophobia are perpetuated in white-orientated UK churches. Robinson-Brown’s words cut to the heart: “The famine of grace in the church is most acutely felt by those whose bodies are most policed and excluded.” This insight illuminated not only the church’s lack of grace and celebration of queer bodies but also the deeper injustice faced by Black queer bodies—a reality I must acknowledge as someone with privilege in these spaces.

Theologically, Robinson-Brown draws on liberationist thought, pushing for what he calls “a more radical, inclusive grace.” While I appreciated this, I found myself disagreeing with his critique of Patrick Cheng’s description of grace, which, for me, still holds much transformative power. Nevertheless, the book succeeded in making me reflect critically on my own ministry, especially as I seek to build a more inclusive community. It was recommended to me during my REVM training to support my understanding of intersectionality, and it has deeply shaped my thinking about inclusion and justice.

Though very English-centric, I believe Robinson-Brown’s challenge to “white-oriented churches” is crucial for all Christians. I would recommend this book widely, especially to those willing to be more observant and justice-driven. This is a vital text for anyone seeking to embody a truly inclusive and liberating gospel.

- Terry Nash, Minister of Derby Inclusive Fellowship