Author Jim Wallis tackles racism and faith in Drew talk

The Rev. James Wallis speaks about racism and faith at Drew University. Photo by Nicole Verduin
The Rev. James Wallis speaks about racism and faith at Drew University. Photo by Nicole Verduin
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The Rev. James Wallis speaks about racism and faith at Drew University. Photo by Nicole Verduin
The Rev. Jim Wallis speaks about racism and faith at Drew University. Photo by Nicole Verduin

By Nicole Verduin

Americans will choose more than a president next month. They will make an important moral choice, the Rev. Jim Wallis told listeners at the Drew Theological School in Madison on Wednesday.

Addressing the annual Tipple-Vosburgh Lecture series, Wallis spoke about his new book, racism and faith, and the 2016 election.

“Racism is in the air we breathe and the water we drink,” he said. “And all lives won’t matter until black lives matter.”

The author of America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America said the only way things will change is by changing the narrative and having an honest, grown-up conversation.

Dean Javier Viera introduces best-selling author and theologian Jim Wallis. Photo by Nicole Verduin
Dean Javier Viera introduces best-selling author and theologian Jim Wallis. Photo by Nicole Verduin

Wallis said the most important political fact in the United States is shifting demographics and their implications for the next president. “In two or three decades,” he said, “America will no longer be a white majority nation.”

Javier Viera, dean of the Theological School, said Wallis was an appropriate selection for the Tipple talk because of the election climate and the Black Lives Matter movement.  Not everyone agreed.

“I can appreciate Reverend Wallis’s voice, but I’m not sure he was the best choice to talk about this topic,” said Rodney Lynch, Theological School Class of 2014. “He has a soft approach to the issues, and I’m not sure that’s the best approach to have today.”

Wallis, 68, has published 12 books about faith and political activism, and served on President Obama’s White House Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. He also serves on the Global Agenda Council on Values of the World Economic Forum.

The Detroit, MI, native founded the Sojourners ministries, which are dedicated to social justice through the Christian faith.

“Hope means believing in spite of the evidence, and then watching the evidence change,” Wallis said. “Faith leads to hope which leads to action, and finally change. That’s what makes the difference.”

Wallis fielded audience questions and signed copies of his book after the lecture. The series was established by Ezra Squier Tipple, president of the Drew Theological School from 1912-1929.

Nicole Verduin is a sophomore at Drew University majoring in English and minoring in Writing.

The Rev. Jim Wallis autographs copies of his latest book, 'America's Original Sin,' at Drew University. Photo by Nicole Verduin
The Rev. Jim Wallis autographs copies of his latest book, ‘America’s Original Sin,’ at Drew University. Photo by Nicole Verduin

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