The Black and Asian Solidarity Project

2021-22: For many years, Missio Theological Seminary has sought to educate practitioners in ministry research and development, and now it seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the changed context of Philadelphia and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Missio will conduct colloquia and focus groups, as well as facilitate a program of research associates. The outcome of the project will be published in a special edition of the on-line Journal of Urban Mission at the end of 2022.

2022-23: This project was undertaken from January 2023 to June 2023 to identify the contours of the relationship between Asian American and African American communities, specifically Christian communities, and to explore how these characteristics inform educational and formational programs that train pastors and other Christian leaders in the American city, specifically the city of Philadelphia. The findings of this research project would provide the foundations of a learning experience at Missio Seminary on furthering the dialogue and understanding between Asian American and Black Christians in the city. Some key themes emerged from the research: one, the need for mutual understanding and education regarding the other; two, the need to highlight narratives of solidarity to inspire further actions of solidarity; three, the larger context of racial power structures that pit the two minority communities against each other; four, the need to authentically and courageously face the daunting barriers that exist between the two communities and move towards authentic (not superficial) reconciliation; and five, the need to join together in mutually beneficial collaborative efforts as steps towards healing.

2023-24: The Black and Asian Solidarity Project will implement a pilot learning experience that addresses the need for mutual understanding and education between Black and Asian Christians. The project will highlight narratives of solidarity, increase awareness of racial power structures, create opportunities for authentic solidarity, and seek mutually beneficial collaborative efforts. The pilot program will run throughout 2024 and will inform the development of further learning experiences and courses. Their long-term desired outcome is to move the needle towards a growing, authentic solidarity among Black and Asian Christian communities in Philadelphia and beyond. This project will be housed within Missio Seminary of Philadelphia, which exists to train and equip leaders to be missionally-minded and to be better prepared to serve in God’s mission of redemption and restoration.