When Every Body is Free: Decentering Whiteness, Decolonizing Church and Mutual Liberation Open Access

Abstract

This project examines how whiteness functions as a formative theological distortion within progressive white mainline congregations and how embodied ecclesial practices can cultivate mutual liberation. Using ethnographic and participant-observation methods, this study analyzes Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church’s efforts to decenter whiteness through theological formation, somatic practices, and communal accountability. Findings demonstrate that mutual liberation emerges through sustained embodied practices that disrupt the formative power of white supremacy and reshape congregational identity and relationships. This project advances a formation-based intervention model, offering a transferable framework for congregations seeking to dismantle white supremacy and embody the liberating presence of Christ in church life and Christian witness.

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School	Candler School of Theology
Department	Ministry
Degree	DMin
Submission	Dissertation
Language	English
Research Field	Theology Education, Religious
Keyword	decolonization mutual liberation racism Christian formation Body of Christ somatics embodiment collective liberation spiritual formation white supremacy whiteness formation
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Roger Nam, Emory University

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