Brandi Brown, a former minister living in Southern California, has struggled to find a Black church that resonates with her beliefs. As a result, she turns to Ellen Lo Hoffman, a Chinese American progressive Christian residing near Seattle, for spiritual conversations. Through virtual chats over the past three years, Hoffman has supported and guided Brown in exploring her faith and connecting with God in a way that feels authentic to her unique experiences as a Black woman.
For many Christian progressives, the failure of their churches to address the racial reckoning of 2020 has driven them to seek alternative sources of spiritual support. Disappointment with evangelical churches, both white-led and multiracial, for not openly condemning racism or homophobia has led some women of color to feel marginalized and overlooked. In response, individuals like Hoffman have stepped up to provide spiritual direction, offering a space for women to explore their thoughts on God and navigate their faith independently of traditional church structures.
Hoffman, drawing on her extensive ministry experience, founded Soul Reparations with her husband in response to the racial trauma highlighted by events like the murder of George Floyd and a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. Through this nonprofit, she and a team of women of color offer free spiritual support to women seeking solace and guidance in processing their experiences. The sessions focus on providing a safe and intimate space for women to share their stories and find healing outside of traditional church settings.
With the demand for spiritual direction on the rise, Hoffman and her team have worked with numerous women, including those from LGBTQ+ communities, to explore their faith journeys and cultivate a deeper connection to their spirituality. By offering a non-judgmental environment where clients lead the conversation, these spiritual directors empower women to reclaim their faith on their own terms without the constraints of institutionalized religion.
The shift towards seeking spiritual guidance outside of conventional church settings is reflected in the experiences of individuals like Jessica Chen from Los Angeles and Rebekah James Lovett from Chicago. Both women found traditional church environments lacking in diversity and inclusivity, prompting them to seek out spaces where they can engage with a broader range of perspectives and experiences within their faith.
As more individuals explore alternative avenues for spiritual growth and connection, the landscape of religious practice in the United States continues to evolve. For women like Brown, Hoffman’s spiritual direction has not only provided a source of support but has also reignited her hope of finding a church community that aligns with her values of justice and inclusivity.