Sandhya Rani Jha

This is a book that I am sure I will come back to again and again. It is almost a handbook, if you will, on ways to begin and sustain ministries that have the power to transform communities. It is written in such a way that it doesn't read like a text, instead sharing examples of ministries that worked and the stories of how they came into being and what it took to form them. So it is not a 'how to' but more of a 'what if' we tried this approach to that ministry. The stories she shares are relevant and offer ideas and insights that could be pertinent in a variety of situations. Well done.… (más)

"Room at the Table" brings together several of the stories about the involvement of racial and ethnic minority groups in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Although some of the stories are known, Disciples minister Sandhya Jha weaves them into a single narrative for the first time. The resulting history is both hopeful and frustrating: hopeful in those groups that struggled to find a faithful place in the church and frustrating for the obstacles they faced too often.

Drawing on denominational resources, largely, including encyclopedia articles, magazine articles, pamphlets, and promotional materials, in addition to interviews and academic research, Jha focuses on the role of African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian immigrants in the denomination. While the different experiences sometimes seem to be merely placed alongside one another, two consistent themes emerge: racial and ethnic congregations were often limited by white paternalistic attitudes, but they also were frequently welcomed by many who sincerely, though imperfectly, worked to achieve Christian unity in practice.

Presented in conversational tones and frequently incorporating quotations to allow key participants in these efforts to speak for themselves, the book is a significant contribution to the history and development of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Those interested in such history and in the issue of Christian unity will find the book informative and helpful.… (más)