S4:E1: April Casperson

Holy Roast: Anti-Racism, Christian Faith & the Work of Change with Rev. Dr. April Casperson What does anti-racism have to do with Christian discipleship? And what happens when conversations about race make us uncomfortable? On this episode of Holy Roast, Rev. Rob Tucker and Rev. Rachel Wallace sit down with Rev. Dr. April Casperson, Director of Enrollment Management at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio and the leader of upcoming anti-racism training for clergy in the Kentucky Annual Conference. April helps us unpack what anti-racism means in a Christian context—and why this work is about more than simply having the “right” beliefs or saying the right things. We talk about navigating discomfort and defensiveness, responding faithfully when conversations about race become difficult, and some of the assumptions and misconceptions April encounters in anti-racism work. Most importantly, we ask: How do churches move beyond talking about diversity and inclusion toward meaningful, lasting change? What might anti-racism look like in our congregations, leadership, ministries, and communities? Come for the conversation. Stay for the uncomfortable questions. And, as always, bring your own cup of coffee to the roast.