Liberating Church: A Twenty-First Century Hush Harbor Manifesto - Paperback

by Brandon Wrencher (Editor), Venneikia Samantha Williams (Editor), Lynice Pinkard (Foreword by)

While the North American church grapples with an eroding position of privilege in society, there is a liberating vision of church from the margins. This manifesto defines eight marks of liberating churches that were identified through research of antebellum hush harbors. Hush harbors were the covert gatherings of enslaved Africans to worship and organize for change free from the surveillance of plantation Christianity. Liberating Church explores how the marks of antebellum hush harbors are being lived out now in several faith communities. This book offers a guide for anyone who wants to embrace innovative models for building spaces of faith and activism with structural critique and spiritual power.

Author Biography

Brandon Wrencher is a minister, organizer, teacher, and facilitator. He works across faith, education, and non-profit sectors at the intersections of decolonizing church, contemplative activism, and local presence to build beloved communities.



Venneikia Samantha Williams is a person whose pursuit of justice is informed by the radical Black tradition. From designing curriculum, graphics, and events to facilitating in-person and virtual trainings on racial, political, and spiritual matters, Venneikia is a lifelong learner and instructor.