Fasting from Whiteness: An Interview with Rev. John Edgerton

During Lent, CRS member congregation First United Church of Oak Park chose to focus on music and liturgy from the Black, Indigenous and POC (people of color) traditions with a campaign entitled “Fasting from Whiteness.”  First United drew international attention, condemnation and threats when Turning Point USA, a website for right-wing activists, posted a photo and article about the campaign claiming the church was “creating disunity and moving back to segregation times.” 

In response to the publicity, First United received support from various church bodies, including the United Church of Christ (of which First United is a member) and the Presbytery of Chicago, as well as other congregations and individuals. Hanz Holznagel of the UCC wrote this article.

Keron Blair, Capacity Building Manager for Organizing and Policy, met with First United Lead Pastor Rev. John Edgerton to learn how his congregation engaged in the original campaign and how they responded to the attention it received. View the interview above.

CRS staff, together with First Congregational UCC in Washington, D.C., hosted a national news conference to provide a forum for Rev. Edgerton to share what happened and to answer questions. Former CRS Board Member and Retired Conference Minister for the Chicago Metropolitan Association of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Vertie Powers and CRS staff member, Rev. Jason Carson Wilson, participated in the news conference. View the video. 

CRS applauds the members of First United Church for their anti-racist campaign and for remaining strong against the backlash.

We invite your congregation to share with us via email your stories, photos or videos that demonstrate how you are being anti-racist. CRS will share these stories to encourage congregations and community members to join us in this important work.

Congregations that are interested in learning more about CRS membership are encouraged to fill out this interest form.