FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 8, 2024
‘Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm’ Selected as 2023 Jesse Lee Prize Recipient
Author John Elford’s Book Discusses American Methodism and White Supremacy
Madison, N.J. -- “Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm: The American Methodist Church and the Struggle with White Supremacy,” written by the Rev. Dr. John Elford, pastor emeritus at University United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Jesse Lee Prize.
The honor, given once every four years by the General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH), recognizes manuscripts focused on American Methodist history. The recognition carries a $2,000 award given to assist with marketing, teaching resources and/or other purposes to promote the work.
“Rev. Elford’s work is truly exemplary and its value to the historic record of The United Methodist Church and its larger connection is indisputable,” praises Dr. Ashley Boggan D., GCAH’s general secretary.
In “Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm,” Elford calls out the white American Methodist church for its entanglement with White Supremacy since the 18th century to the present. In confronting the denomination’s troubled history, Elford challenges United Methodists today to take a stand for racial justice in our churches and communities. The author also shares the inspiring stories of those Methodists who have stood against the tide of racism in the past, as well as those who are addressing the ongoing struggle in our churches today.
The Jesse Lee Prize is intended to encourage the writing of serious monographs in Methodist history, which includes studies of any antecedent bodies or offshoots of Methodist in the United States or its missions. Deadline for submissions for the 2027 award is July 1, 2027. Read all submission details here.
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About General Commission on Archives and History
The General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH), organized in 1968, is one of the general agencies of The United Methodist Church, with offices located in the Archives & History Center. GCAH offers assistance to local churches and Annual Conferences through publications, workshops, research services, and other programs. The Commission maintains relationships with the five Jurisdictional Commissions on Archives and History, the Central Conferences, the World Methodist Historical Society, the World Methodist Council, and the Charles Wesley Society.
Media contact:
Crystal Caviness
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