Leveling the Praying Field: Can the Church We Love, Love Us Back? - by Ansel Augustine (Paperback)

About the Book

"Seeks to identify the current "disconnect" between the church and the movements led by younger generations"--

Book Synopsis

In Leveling the Praying Field, Ansel Augustine offers a personal and historical perspective on issues of race and inequality in the church as he considers the challenges posed by the rise of Millennials, Gen Z, and future generations. A recent study on diversity in the Catholic Church revealed that 72 percent of Gen Z, which is majority non-white, consider racial equality to be one of the most important issues today. And yet the church has been slow to respond. This tells us that "ministry as usual" from a Eurocentric perspective will not work. In response, Augustine provides insights as to how the church can respond to racial injustice not only in our changing society, but more importantly, how the church can stay relevant and real for this justice-hungry generation.

From the Back Cover

RELIGION / Christianity / Catholic

RELIGION / Christian Living / Social Issues

RELIGION / Christian Ministry / Youth

Cover design: Michael Calvente

ORBIS LOGO

978-1-62698-450-9

Review Quotes

"Ansel Augustine's book is a love letter that contains some hard truths. But he offers it with the same hope that has sustained Black Catholics through our journey in and with this Church. . . . We trust that God can open the eyes of our fellow believers so that one day they will recognize the Real Presence of Christ in Black and Brown bodies."--From the Foreword by Bryan N. Massingale

"When we read this book, we are called to reflect on our true, radically-centered identity as children of God, and therefore not to be misshaped or deformed by the world's efforts to devalue or deny us our full humanity and freedom."--From the Afterword by Bishop Fernand J. Cheri III, OFM

"Leveling the Praying Field calls to mind the consciousness of intentional ministry, and serves as a guide to challenge and engage God's people in a hopeful and spiritual way."--James Conway, Vice President, Catholics United for Black Lives

"Dr. Augustine does an excellent job breaking down the reasons the Catholic Church needs to be engaged in the work of racial justice. He succinctly gets to the heart of a challenging issue while also providing resources and practical wisdom to do this work. This is a must read for anyone working with young people in the Catholic Church today."--Darius A. Villalobos, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM)

About the Author

Ansel Augustine, D.Min., works with youth, young adults, and various grassroots organizations, to help the most vulnerable on the peripheries of his hometown of New Orleans, LA. Formerly he has served as Executive Director of Cultural Diversity and Outreach for the Archdiocese of Washington and the Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He is a highly sought-after international speaker whose advocacy for social justice is at the core of his spirituality and ministry.