Overview

William E. Pannell (1929-2024) was a prominent black American evangelical leader in a predominantly white movement. He served as a pioneering voice for racial justice within evangelicalism, leaving a large legacy as a teacher, preacher, and author. Bill also was an advocate for black leadership in the church, mentoring scores of younger black pastors and teachers. Two of his students, Anthea Butler and Jemar Tisby, have had distinguished writing, teaching, and speaking careers in their own right, and help complete Bill's memoir with their introduction and afterword. A master communicator, Bill was the author of a groundbreaking book on racism within the evangelical church, My Friend, the Enemy (1968). It is still pertinent almost sixty years later, as the reprinting in 2026 of a section of the book in evangelicalism's flagship publication, Christianity Today, testifies. Later, following the Rodney King beating, Bill's The Coming Race Wars? A Cry for Reconciliation (1993) reinforced many of the same themes. Bill lived a life committed to both love and protest. This memoir gives an invaluable ""insider's yet outsider's"" perspective on white evangelicalism and its continuing support of American racism, whether conscious or not. In our day, as white Christian nationalism has come increasingly to the fore, particularly within segments of evangelicalism, Bill's wisdom and warning are all the more important to be heard.

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Reviews

""It was my honor and privilege to be a student under the tutelage of Dr. William 'Bill' Pannell. As a courageous trailblazer and role model of racial reconciliation and evangelism, Dr. Pannell's legacy as a teacher, preacher, and author lives on. I am forever grateful for the lasting impact he has on my life. In A Merciful Journey his wisdom and warnings are invaluable contributions for all people in our society and culture. I highly recommend it!"" --Brenda Salter McNeil, author of Becoming Brave: Finding the Courage to Pursue Racial Justice Now ""Jesus said his followers were to be the light of the world. In Bill Pannell's case that meant both being a steady light and being an occasional lightning bolt for the mercy and justice of God's kingdom. This was especially needful inside the white, evangelical circles in which he ministered for many decades. Why and how this came to be--the price and beauty of such courage and faithfulness--are contained in this unfinished memoir. His thoughtfulness and humor, his honesty and passion affected so many. He shocked me and changed me, and I could not be more grateful."" --Mark Labberton, President Emeritus, Fuller Theological Seminary ""The legacy and impact of the late Rev. Dr. William E. Pannell cannot be overstated. This memoir is the timely and necessary reflection of a brilliant mind and devoted disciple of Jesus. Bill forces all of us to take a close look at what we believe the Gospel calls us to, and whether or not we've committed ourselves to that very call. May we each be inspired, right now, to walk in love and mercy."" --Dwight A. Radcliff Jr., Academic Dean for the William E. Pannell Center for Black Church Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary ""All significant institutions have seminal leaders. The beloved Bill Pannell was one of those for Fuller Seminary. He was a seed planter who made a substantial difference to individuals and the institution during his service as a trustee then a faculty member. Snippets of his life and work conveyed in this memoir help to give more insight into how the Lord led Bill and can lead us into places we never dreamed to go."" --David Emmanuel Goatley, President, Fuller Theological Seminary

Author Information

William Pannell (1929-2024) was a prominent American evangelical teacher, preacher, author, and leader, who protested against racism in America and within the evangelical community.

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