BOOK STUDIES
JUSTICE, PEACE, AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC)
Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) sponsor a variety of book studies exploring themes in Catholic social teaching, with a particular emphasis on issues related to Promoting Human Dignity (PHD). These book studies are an essential part of our JPIC's faith formation programming and our commitment to justice. The idea for these book studies originated with our JPIC PHD parishioners' specific concern to work towards racial justice and solidarity with our fellow parishioners and neighbors in Durham's black community, which eventually led to the formation of our JPIC Racial Justice Ministry.
During Lent, and at other points in the year (mainly summers), these book studies are offered to complement our ongoing JPIC faith formation opportunities such as our JustFaith programs, JPIC faith formation special presentations, and JPIC parish-wide events/activities.
During Lent, and at other points in the year (mainly summers), these book studies are offered to complement our ongoing JPIC faith formation opportunities such as our JustFaith programs, JPIC faith formation special presentations, and JPIC parish-wide events/activities.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Catherine Pleil, JPIC Promoting Human Dignity (PHD) Book Studies Parishioner Leader
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Ken Chiha, Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
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SUMMER 2025
BUILDING A BRIDGE
JAMES MARTIN, SJ
Consider joining our summer book study of "Building a Bridge," by Father James Martin, SJ, sponsored by JPIC's Promoting Human Dignity team.
The book explores the relationship between the Catholic Church and the LGBTQ+ community. Father Martin advocates for a dialogue rooted in respect, compassion, and sensitivity to foster understanding and reconciliation between the two groups. He emphasizes the importance of pastoral outreach, inclusive language, and recognizing the contributions of LGBTQ+ Catholics within the Church. The book also highlights the need for active listening, standing against discrimination, and celebrating the joys and talents of LGBTQ+ individuals. Father Martin encourages Church leaders to reconsider language that may be harmful and to engage in meaningful conversations with LGBTQ+ members to build a more welcoming and supportive faith community.
DATES - TIMES - LOCATIONIn Person
Adult Faith Formation Room, Parish Office Thursday Mornings, 10-11:30 am June 12, 19, & 26 |
Participants are expected to purchase/access the book on their own. Our JPIC offers financial assistance for those in need. Please contact Ken Chiha, Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), for support.
REGISTRATION
Please click on the official registration link to sign-up. Our co-facilitators will email you any additional information related to your book study.
https://forms.gle/ps3AqeSwnQg3qs2VA
https://forms.gle/ps3AqeSwnQg3qs2VA
Co-Facilitators
Janet Jezsik and Catherine Pleil |
PREVIOUS JPIC BOOK STUDIES
LENT 2025
HOW TO END CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM
Amanda Tyler
Our 2025 JPIC Lenten Book Study discussed Amanda Tyler’s book How to End Christian Nationalism. This book gives readers a better understanding of what Christian Nationalism is, how it is showing up in our daily lives, the harm it can cause, and how people of faith can combat its spread.
If you believe Christians follow a gospel of love and not the idol of power, this might be the book club for you!
If you believe Christians follow a gospel of love and not the idol of power, this might be the book club for you!
Online Summary/Praise for How to End Christian Nationalism:
“A potent tool for taking action.” - Jemar Tisby
“An indispensable tool in renewing civic engagement and democracy.” - Anthea Butler
“An indispensable tool in renewing civic engagement and democracy.” - Anthea Butler
The essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it.
Christian nationalism is a powerful and pervasive ideology, and it is becoming normalized. From Amanda Tyler, lead organizer of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, comes How to End Christian Nationalism, your vital companion for countering this dangerous ideology. Tyler draws on her experiences, conversations with pastors and laypeople, research, Scripture, her Baptist convictions, and her work as a constitutional law expert to help us confront Christian nationalist fervor. You will learn how to distinguish Christian nationalism from the teachings of Jesus and to demonstrate how the former perpetuates white supremacy. This book also unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it is not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power.
Here, you will find stories of what Christians are doing to resist Christian nationalism in their churches and communities, plus ideas for your own work. From strategies for faith-rooted organizing to guidance for holding hard conversations with loved ones, Tyler offers practical ways to protect faith freedom for all. With precision and compassion, Tyler offers cogent arguments for the separation of church and state, a timely call to action, and an urgent case for replacing a twisted, fearful version of faith with one that is good and right and true. We have all seen what Christian nationalism can do. Now is the time for Christians to reckon with its harm. Now is the time to end it. |
FALL 2024
HOW TO FIGHT RACISM: COURAGEOUS CHRISTIANITY AND THE JOURNEY TOWARD RACIAL JUSTICE
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Tisby provides groups and individuals with practical tools and suggestions, actionable items, and real-world examples of change, to enable you to become proactive and effective in the fight for racial justice. How to Fight Racism introduces a simple framework--the A.R.C. of Racial Justice—that teaches readers to consistently interrogate their own actions and maintain a consistent posture of anti-racist behavior. The A.R.C. of Racial Justice is a clear model for how to think about race in practical, productive, and empowering ways:
Tisby suggests that by applying these principles, we can help dismantle a social hierarchy long stratified by skin color. He encourages the rejection of passivity and active participation in the struggle for human dignity across racial and ethnic lines. There is hope for transforming our nation and the world, and you can be part of the solution to racial problems and suggests that the application of these principles can offer us hope that will transform our nation and the world.
- AWARENESS: Focuses on racial history, identity, and the image of God: Educate yourself by studying history, exploring your personal narrative, and grasping what God says about the dignity of the human person.
- RELATIONSHIPS: Presents effective ways to do reconciliation, make friends, and build diverse communities: Understand the spiritual dimension of race relations and how authentic connections make reconciliation real and motivate you to act.
- COMMITTMENT: Concentrates on how to work for racial justice in your life, community, and country: Consistently fight systemic racism and work for racial justice by orienting your life to it.
Tisby suggests that by applying these principles, we can help dismantle a social hierarchy long stratified by skin color. He encourages the rejection of passivity and active participation in the struggle for human dignity across racial and ethnic lines. There is hope for transforming our nation and the world, and you can be part of the solution to racial problems and suggests that the application of these principles can offer us hope that will transform our nation and the world.
SUMMER 2024
THE COLOR OF COMPROMISE: THE TRUTH ABOUT THE AMERICAN CHURCH’S COMPLICITY IN RACISM
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It is not a call to shame or a platform to blame, but a call from a place of love and desire to fight for a more racially unified church that no longer compromises what the Scripture teaches about human dignity. In this book study we will explore this history, along with ways to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment here at Immaculate Conception and in the greater community.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword by Lecrae
1. The Color of Compromise 2. Making Race in the Colonial Era 3. Understanding Liberty in the Age of Revolution and Revival 4. Institutionalizing Race in the Antebellum Era 5. Defending Slavery at the Onset of the Civil War 6. Reconstructing White Supremacy in the Jim Crow Era 7. Remembering the Complicity in the North |
8. Compromising with Racism during the Civil Rights Movement
9. Organizing the Religious Right at the End of the Twentieth Century 10. Reconsidering Racial Reconciliation in the Age of Black Lives Matter 11. The Fierce Urgency of Now Conclusion: Be Strong and Courageous Acknowledgments Notes Index |
LENT 2024
This Book Study focused on the prophetic servant of God and martyred Archbishop of San Salvador. Four JPIC parishioner groups met once a week during Lent in both English and Spanish, in person or online through Zoom. An additional fifth group met at Immaculata for parents and teachers. They complemented our wider JPIC faith formation programming and celebration of St. Oscar Romero throughout Lent.
THE VIOLENCE OF LOVE
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Click to Download PDF
ISBN: 9781570755354 James R. Brockman, S.J. (1926-1999) was a native of Cincinnati, OH, and earned degrees from Xavier University, Loyola University Chicago and West Baden College, IN. He was ordained a Jesuit in 1960 and served a number of years in Peru as well in Hispanic ministry in the dioceses of Gary, IN, and Little Rock, AR. Father Brockman wrote and translated a number of books on Archbishop Romero, including Romero: A Life.
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"These homilies reveal lines of poetic beauty describing a cruel and ugly world Here is indomitable courage and utter humility. Here is a message of hope." - Robert McAfee Brown, Professor Emeritus, Pacific School of Religion
SUMMER 2023
LEFT TO TELL:
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Immaculee Ilibagiza grew up in a country she loved, surrounded by a family she cherished. But in 1994 her idyllic world was ripped apart as Rwanda descended into a bloody genocide. Immaculee’s family was brutally murdered during a killing spree that lasted three months and claimed the lives of nearly a million Rwandans.
Incredibly, Immaculee survived the slaughter. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them. It was during those endless hours of unspeakable terror that Immaculee discovered the power of prayer, eventually shedding her fear of death and forging a profound and lasting relationship with God. She emerged from her bathroom hideout having discovered the meaning of truly unconditional love—a love so strong she was able seek out and forgive her family’s killers. The triumphant story of this remarkable young woman’s journey through the darkness of genocide will inspire anyone whose life has been touched by fear, suffering, and loss. |
LENT 2023
TATTOOS ON THE HEART:
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BARKING TO THE CHOIR:
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LENT 2022
CRIMSON LETTERS:
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LENT 2021
THE CROSS AND THE LYNCHING TREE
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© All rights reserved.
If you have questions regarding our various JPIC ministries, please contact:
Kennith M. Chiha, Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church - 901-A West Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-3449 Ext. 293 - [email protected]
If you have questions regarding our various JPIC ministries, please contact:
Kennith M. Chiha, Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church - 901-A West Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-3449 Ext. 293 - [email protected]