���ϸ�����

Author Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez begins her , institutional and organic, by asserting, “It’s no secret that the Body of Christ is in a crisis. ... We are experiencing intense division, scandals, people walking away from the faith, and dehumanization within the Body.”

Perreaux-Dominguez offers readers a compelling framework by which to view the present reality and to move forward in a new healthy and holy direction by becoming a sanctuary. Simply defined, a sanctuary is a place of refuge where people feel protected and safe. Perreaux-Dominguez writes, “That is what and who we get to be as the Body—both to Christians and to the world. It is the radical way. It is Christ’s way.”

Candidly, Perreaux-Dominguez shares her experiences of racism, spiritual abuse, and trauma as a Black Latina in the church, giving voice to her history of pain and the spiritual disorientation that resulted. Her personal understanding of how the church failed to be a sanctuary for her gives urgency and authenticity to her three-part call for change: first, that the church be sacred, a place where the truth of Scripture is preached and practiced; second, that the church be soft, a place where Christians offer compassion and love to traumatized people, without judgment; and third, that the church be safe, a place where justice is sought and implemented.

Each chapter concludes with four brief sections: radical thoughts, reflective questions, a restorative meditation, and a call to remain in Scripture with the passages that are provided.

Recommended as an excellent resource for pastors, lay leaders, and Christians who desire to enter more deeply into the sanctuary of the Body of Christ and to offer such a space to others. The book is also suitable for small group study.

(Brazos Press)