ECPA hosted its fifth Virtual Summit Series webinar last week on “Christian Publishing and Racial Justice” with a record number of registrants. “It was my privilege to moderate a dynamic conversation with some of the most influential publishers and writers giving voice to this issue,” stated ECPA president Stan Jantz. Panelists included:
Trillia Newbell, acquisitions editor for Moody Publishers and the author of several books, who emphasized the need to identify and publish writers of color who will write books on a variety of topics, including race.
Ed Gilbreath, executive editor at InterVarsity Press, who shared the challenges people of color face as they try to fit into the cultures of mostly-white Christian organizations. He stressed the need for mentorship.
LaDonna Boyd, the fifth-generation president of R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation, suggested taking a broad approach to your publishing program from authors of color.
Skot Welch, CEO of Global Bridgebuilders, reminded us that “diversity is a God-given mandate.”
Jeff Crosby, publisher of InterVarsity Press and ECPA board chair, offered the opening prayer for the webcast, composed by noted educator and writer, Howard Thurman, author of the seminal book, Jesus and the Disinherited (Beacon Press).
Jeff Wright, CEO of Urban Ministries, Inc., provided a video with 5 steps to making progress in the area of diversity:
- Read history while investing in meaningful recruitment and training;
- Listen to employee perspectives and establish a shared vision;
- Recruit consultants, employees, and board members who can help move your companies forward in these critical areas;
- Establish mentoring initiatives; and
- Hold meetings where all views are welcomed and sought out.
Jeff also shared a powerful video on racism by Dr. Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility (Beacon Press).
“ECPA will continue to encourage conversations like these, as well as provide valued resources to grow diversity in our industry,” said Jantz.
ECPA recently published a list of Christian Books on Racial Justice and is currently compiling, from its members, Christian book lists from Authors of Color in a variety of categories. For more information on the book submission process, contact ECPA.
Three WaterBrook titles appear on the most recent New York Times Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous Best Sellers List (6/21/20), including Michael Todd’s Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex at #1. Todd’s book has captured the top spot for three weeks running and has been on the list for six straight weeks since its April 28, 2020, release.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 8, 2020 — These challenging and historic times of grief and hardship weigh heavy as giant obstacles in people’s lives the world over. Hoping to bring a biblical perspective to these crises and personal strife, Bible Gateway, the most visited Christian website in the world, will host the six-week free
Charlotte, NC. (June 5, 2020). The Good Book Company gratefully celebrates the milestone of
WESTMONT, IL— In an effort to educate and contribute to the discussions, and ultimately the change in our culture, InterVarsity Press has announced that from June 8 through June 12 they will be offering each person one free ebook with a one-time use promo code. The complete list of free titles and the promo code are available at the new web page,
(June 5, 2020) – Amid the ongoing global pandemic and anti-racism protests—The Parable Group released a Christian Bookstore Market Update providing data and insights into the current sales climate within the Christian retailing industry.
Nashville, Tenn. [June 8, 2020] – B&H Publishing is proud to announce the forthcoming release of an authorized biography of one of the most influential Christians of the 20th century, Elisabeth Elliot.
Ada, Mich. (June 3, 2020)—Family Fiction asked their readers to select their favorite genres and their favorite storytellers. The results of this poll were released in their recent newsletter,
Grand Rapids, Mich., June 2, 2020 – Zondervan Reflective, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, today released both new research findings, The Report on Ethics and Artificial Intelligence, and a new book by John C. Lennox: 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity.




