“Like a surgeon plying the scalpel, John Elford lays bare where and how our nation’s original sin of racism infected American Methodism … A must-read for all of us who yearn to deconstruct our own racism.” —John A. Wright, retired United Methodist District Superintendent and Pastor

“John Elford’s new book is more than a historical account of racial injustice; it constitutes an act of confession that we Methodists must make.” —David F. White, Professor of Christian Education and Methodist Studies, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

“Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm is a remarkable accomplishment—brief enough that it is likely to get read, well–researched, engaging, and providing both a broad overview and a call to action. I particularly appreciate Elford’s unflinching portrait of how entrenched white supremacy has been in our denomination while at the same time pointing to the brave folks who have modeled another and more faithful way.” —Jeffrey H, Mahan, Professor emeritus of Religion and Public Communication, Iliff School of Theology