The words “race” and “injustice” often go hand-in-hand in national dialogue.

A group of over 100 students from around Nashville gathered to discuss where the words “God” and “faith” fit into racial conversations Tuesday evening at Vanderbilt University’s Benton Chapel.

Racial and Diversity Consultant Sabrine Rhodes and Washington University Law Professor John Inazu served as the panel members. Together, they addressed race and justice from a faith-based perspective through the open student forum.

“Christians provide a very distinct voice to the race conversation,” Inazu said. “So showing up in this conversation as Christians really matters.”

In addition to echoing the importance of Christians speaking up about racial issues, Rhodes said that “modeling grace in these conversations” is the next step for people of faith.

“When we enter these conversations with grace, no matter what perspective you come from, we will stand out as Christians,” Rhodes said. “We will be heard rather than being put into a category and ignored.”

The forum and following discussions pressed students to think of civil and social issues in new ways, according to Lipscomb senior Griffin Hodges.

“This isn’t a topic that I’ve ever given much thought to personally, but I recognize that it is very prevalent in our culture and lives,” Hodges said. “To have the opportunity to hear the perspective of scholars who are also Christians has been really encouraging and thought-provoking.”

The fact that voices of faith are actively discussing issues such as race and justice serves as a signal of hope for some students in regards to the future of Nashville.

“This topic is very powerful and I’m glad they’re bringing it up,” said Lipscomb senior Jessica Wayda. “I’m also glad that they’re speaking about it again next week because that shows how much interest has been generated throughout this city and throughout our generation.”

The Race and Injustice Discussion was hosted by Veritas Forums, a Christian organization that exists to engage students and faculty in university events across the United States. The organization seeks to maintain the relevance of Christianity within conversations about current events and issues.

Vanderbilt is hosting a similar event Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. in Benton Chapel on the same topic. This event is open to students across Nashville.

“The more we talk about these issues, the more we really develop what we think and what we believe about them,” Rhodes said. “If we don’t give ourselves the opportunity to engage and exchange what we assume to be true, we won’t know what we really believe.”

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