Common Good Collective

Reader

This Reader is an expression of Common Good Collective, a vision for an alternative way, rooted in the act of eliminating economic isolation, the significance of place, and the structure of belonging. Whether you come at this from a place of economics, social good, or faith, we hope these reflections help orient your day in fresh, provocative, courageous ways. And most importantly, we hope these lead you into the sharing of gifts in particular communities—into co-creating a common good.

We read hundreds of articles and select the best ones for you by sending them to your inbox on Thursday.

Read Now Subscribe Now

Invitation, Reader, Structure Of Belonging Permalink

The Wonderworking Power of the Collective

Next week, our Incubator for Black Liberation Theology begins. This innovative learning experience will be led by Dr. Adam Clark of Xavier University. Held in both local cohorts and virtually, participants will come a way with a deepened faith and stronger community relationships, and direction to make positive change for the common good. Today’s reader is dedicated to introducing the origin story of Black Liberation Theology to you.

For more information about the Incubator for Black Liberation Theology, click here.

Share with a friend

Poetry for Building Community, Reader, Significance Of Place, Structure Of Belonging Permalink

Uniting Brothers Across The Atlantic

Deep in the Black experience, and in Black Liberation Theology, is a longing for the home of our ancestors. Significance comes from both place and belonging: to be fully embraced in place that is truly home. This poem, written in 1890 by Bishop T. D. M. Ward, voices this longing.

VIII.
POEM.
By Bishop T. M. D. Ward.

We stand on life’s receding sands,
To lay our tribute at the feet
Of brothers who, in brighter lands,
We humbly hope to clasp and greet,

Whose sons stand up in distant climes,
And lay their honors at their feet;
The churches, with their thousand chimes,
Ring out their praises, rich and sweet

And millions on that blissful shore
Await the coming of our sires,
To meet when all life’s toil is o’er,
And stand amid the judgment fires.
Redeemed they stand, true to their Lord–
A saintly train, bright, strong and fair
Let all the land, with one accord,
With songs of triumph fill the air.

And distant Afric! from thy main,
With sea-girt islands, join the song,
And wild Atlantic swell the strain,
And tell of love than death more strong.

Published online by the Ohio History Connection

Share with a friend

Leaving Egypt and Pharaoh, Reader, Structure Of Belonging Permalink

The Glorious History of the Black Church

“I look back in wonder at how we got over,” the Black preachers say. And it is a wonder, indeed nothing short of a miracle, that enslaved Africans would hear stories told by their captors and hear in them Good News, as Christians would have it. And then to use that Good News to become the center of the political, economic, educational, and cultural transformation of their communities.

The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song will explore the 400-year-old story of the Black church in America, the changing nature of worship spaces, and the men and women who shepherded them from the pulpit, the choir loft, and church pews. This series premieres on Tuesday, February 16th on PBS.

While you wait, journalist Beatrice Alvarez list of twenty-eight documentaries on Black history makers, all streaming for free on the PBS website.

Share with a friend

Invitation, Reader, Structure Of Belonging, Updates Permalink

Black Liberation Theology, in its Founder’s Words

Next week, Common Good Collective will be collaborating with QC Family Tree, Black Oak Society, and Bespoken Collective to bring a truly groundbreaking learning experience. Xavier University’s Dr. Adam Clark will be guiding us through our Incubator for Black Liberation Theology. Moderated by our dear friend, Rev. Greg Jarrell, local cohorts of faith leaders, community advocates, and impassioned neighbors will gather in cities across the country to learn about this theology of collective freedom to then turn knowledge into healing action. Below is an interview of the initiator of Black Liberation Theology, Rev. James Cone by Fresh Air’s host, Terry Gross.

Share with a friend

Covenant: Moving from Contract to Commitment, Reader, Significance Of Place, Structure Of Belonging Permalink

The Faces of the Housing Crisis

For the next several weeks, the Common Good Reader will be focusing it’s attention on the state of housing in the United States and beyond. Housing is a basic human need, a fundamental right, the place that holds the building blocks of healthy community. Our hope is that, over these coming weeks, you will be moved, challenged, and inspired by the way the collective is pushing towards housing equality for all.

Share with a friend