“From Silence to Solidarity: Dismantling White Silence in the Fight for Justice with Minister Keris Dahlkamp.”
After the Podcast
In our recent interview with Minister Keris Dahlkamp, the September podcast episode delved into the critical and often uncomfortable topic of white silence, particularly within faith communities. Minister Dahlkamp, a seasoned chaplain, brought profound insights into how white privilege and silence can perpetuate harm, even when well-intentioned individuals aim to serve.
One of the most transformative experiences he shared occurred in his 20s when he spent time serving at an orphanage in Guatemala. He went there hoping to make meaningful connections with the children, but quickly realized he “wasn’t connecting with them as he had imagined.” His reflection led to a critical awareness of his role as “another white face” in a place where the impact of colonialism and racial inequality was deeply embedded. This disconnect prompted him to consider the difference between charity and justice, particularly in cross-cultural service.
Minister Dahlkamp’s experience highlights an important issue: even with the best intentions, charity can sometimes mask deeper, systemic issues that need to be addressed through justice. Charity, in many cases, offers temporary relief but doesn’t disrupt the root causes of inequality or the structures of power that keep marginalized communities on the edges. It was through this experience in Guatemala that he began to reflect more deeply on his privilege as a white male in Christian spaces, asking himself, “I have the privilege—what am I doing with it?”
This reflection on privilege naturally led us into the main theme of the discussion: white silence. According to Minister Dahlkamp, white silence is when “white people lean into their comfort and privilege rather than saying what needs to be said or doing what needs to be done for the respect and dignity of people on the margins.” It is a form of complicity that allows injustice to continue because it prioritizes personal comfort over collective responsibility.
He spoke candidly about how this silence plays out in faith communities, especially in interfaith spaces, where the conversation about race can be difficult and exhausting. “We have to recognize that the conversations are exhausting,” he admitted, “but that doesn’t mean we shy away from them.” He emphasized the importance of getting to know people for who they are and being genuinely curious about their stories. In his chaplaincy work, Dahlkamp has found that being interested, listening, and showing up with empathy and compassion are essential tools for engaging in these hard conversations.
Chaplaincy, he says, requires both empathy and compassion. These qualities allow for authentic connection and an understanding that goes beyond surface-level interactions. It’s through this lens that he challenges white people in ministry, and beyond, to break their silence and use their platforms for justice. “It’s impossible to not be political in our ministries,” he stated, a reminder that silence in the face of oppression is, in itself, a political stance.
Our conversation with Minister Keris Dahlkamp provided a deeply personal and necessary examination of how white silence harms communities and the ways faith leaders, particularly white clergy, can disrupt that silence. By leaning into the discomfort, recognizing privilege, and fostering authentic curiosity about others’ experiences, faith communities can begin to address the systemic injustices that white silence enables.
Three things to consider when navigating “white silence” in faith communities are:
Acknowledge the Impact of Silence: White silence can perpetuate systemic racism and marginalize voices of color. Faith communities must recognize that failing to speak out against injustice not only harms those affected but also undermines the principles of love and justice that many faith traditions uphold.
Create Safe Spaces for Dialogue: Faith communities should actively cultivate environments where open discussions about race and privilege can take place. Encouraging honest conversations helps break down barriers, fosters understanding, and empowers individuals to confront their biases and support marginalized voices.
Take Action for Change: Addressing white silence requires more than words; it involves taking concrete steps toward racial justice. Faith leaders and congregants can engage in community outreach, support anti-racist initiatives, and advocate for systemic change within their institutions, demonstrating a commitment to equity and healing within their faith communities.
View this episode HERE. Some technical glitches occurred due to Hurricane Helene: