NEW BOOK ON RACISM CHALLENGES READERS
TO EXAMINE THEIR HEARTS

(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) The provocative questions that have been designed for persons of color and persons of non-color in this new book on the subject of racism can no longer be swept under the rug; ignored or simply discarded as a result of denial, because they deserve answers. With this in mind, Robert Upton whose opinion and counsel are highly sought after on matters concerning racial diversity, race relations, racial tensions, racial reconciliation and racism in the church, introduces Racism@Work Among The LORD's People. Only when the heart has been pierced and what is on the inside has been exposed by the light can the real truth be found. Questions often provide further thoughts that can lead to answers being found and healing taking place.

Rodney King asked a very profound question in the aftermath of the Los Angeles riots, "Can we all get along?" For the most part, this question has remained unanswered. The subject of racism continues to remain a frequent topic of discussion but not much progress has been made in addressing the racial divide that exists in America. Events such as the Rodney King beating, O.J. Simpson trial, the church burnings in the South, the killing of James Byrd in Texas, racial tensions escalating over the confederate flag in South Carolina, black voters alleging that their votes were not counted in Florida during the 2000 Presidential election, Arab Americans being racially profiled in the United States as a result of the tragic events that took place on September 11th, and Senator Trent Lott having to resign as Republican Majority Leader of the U. S. Senate after making very controversial remarks have not gone unnoticed by the public.

Racism@Work Among The LORD's People will help those who have a problem with prejudice, bigotry and racism as well as those who need to find healing as a result of being wounded by these spiritual issues. The book also provides the reader with ten devotionals that have been written on the subject of the Bible and Racism. Practical suggestions are provided for pastors and their congregations that will assist them in obtaining racial diversity within their churches. A comprehensive analysis of demographic trends for the U.S. population has been provided, and more importantly, the direct implications that these trends will have on the Church are examined. The Appendixes Section includes a Resource list of consultants, organizations and governmental agencies where further information can be obtained. Ten Best Practices have been provided to help readers develop cross-cultural friendships and racially diverse organizations. Also, a Definition of Terms page has been included that provides some practical definitions for persons of color, persons of non-color, prejudice, bigotry and racism. Prejudice, Bigoted and Racist Thoughts/ Statements are examined that can create barriers to achieving racial diversity within the Church. A Suggested Reading Section has been included that provides a comprehensive list of other books that have been published on the topic of racism. Finally, a Self-Assessment Tool has been provided that will help a reader set goals and identify practical action steps that can be taken to address racism.

The world is constantly changing around us and is becoming more racially diverse. The White population in the United States is aging and shrinking in number. It has now been projected that sometime after 2050 that Whites will account for less than half of the U.S. population. As a result in the near future, the people that you will most likely encounter in the business world, workplace, community, neighborhood, grocery store, health club and church will be persons of color.

* Will you be prepared to navigate the new cultural landscape that is quickly giving way to a new America?

* How will you respond to the questions in this book?

* What will the answers to these questions reveal about your heart?

* What will you do to address the issues of prejudice, bigotry and racism?

You will not be able to begin answering the questions in this book until you are ready to be honest with yourself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Upton is a Senior Consultant for Upton Consulting, an organizational management consulting firm that provides a wide range of services to churches, corporations, parachurch ministries and non-profit organizations. Upton Consulting is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. Upton is a gifted public speaker, special event organizer, fundraiser, community leader and evangelist. Robert and his wife Sandra; their two children, Alexis & Devin reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They presently attend Grand Rapids First Assembly of God Church.

Title: Racism@Work Among The LORD's People Author: Robert Upton
Classification: Christian Living: Professional Growth/Development
Length: 208 pages Price: $ 14.99
Size: 6 x 9 ISBN: 1-930027-89-3
Publicity: Sandra Upton (616) 243-5129 Binding Type: Trade Paper
Distributors: Anchor Distributors (800) 444-4484 and
Partners Distributing, Inc. (800) 336-3131