Rev. April Casperson: Racism, Redemption & The Church

When Rev. April Casperson and Pastor Kelsey first sat down, Rev. April asked the question, “Can the overwhelmingly white church be redeemed from racism?” We flipped the script and Kelsey asked April that very question in this episode! We dig into the intersectionality of race and the church, as well as all other aspects of diversity and inclusion. As Rev. April tells us, diversity is not just about race - it is about any difference that makes a difference.

What Rev. April brings forth is a sense of the history of various kinds of exclusion and injustice, such as racism, that have been cultivated in the church, and a clearer sense of how we can move forward in a more nuanced and inclusive manner.

If you have felt a nudge on your heart to dig deeper into equity and inclusion work within a Christian context, this is the interview for you!
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Rev. April Casperson serves as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. She is an ordained deacon passionate about diversity and inclusion, vocational discernment, and the organizations and systems that recruit, educate and equip leaders for thoughtful, intentional ministry. Rev. Casperson previously served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

Rev. Casperson has completed doctoral coursework in higher education administration from Ohio University. She has completed a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theological Studies from Methodist Theological School in Ohio, as well as a BA from Otterbein University.

She recently wrote The Sanctuary for Lent 2021 and has contributed to several Abingdon bible studies and books, including the Connected Faith bible study app and Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience. Rev. Casperson enjoys reading science fiction, Law and Order reruns and good food with family and friends. She lives in Canal Winchester, Ohio with her husband and daughter.