This summer marks 400 years since European colonists purchased and enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia. In the span of those four centuries, the history of racial injustice in the United States toward black Americans has been tumultuous. There has been contentious debate in recent years (or recent days, even) about the hardships that black Americans still experience, from mass incarceration to lagging maternal health. In the past week alone, social media has been filled with statements from a historic congressional hearing on reparations.

So what do U.S. adults—and in particular practicing Christians—believe about the lived experience of black Americans today, in light of this history of injustice? For a recent study on race and equality in America, conducted in partnership with The Reimagine Group, Barna set out to contribute to a broader understanding of race relations in our present moment and equip church leaders with context for challenging conversations. The findings of that study are now available in the new report Where Do We Go from Here?:How U.S. Christians feel about racism and what they believe it will take to move forward. This special resource assesses perceptions of the nation’s reputation and what practicing Christians—across racial, denominational and political fault lines—feel should be done to repair the damage. Further, Where Do We Go from Here? represents not only views in the U.S. and the Church at large, but also insights and recommendations from a panel of scholars and faith leaders, including: Claude Alexander, Andy Crouch, Heather Thompson Day, Craig Garriott, Maria Garriott, Stan Long, Bryan Loritts, Eric Mason, Nicola A. Menzie, Russell Moore, Alexia Salvatierra, Mark E. Strong, Nikki Toyama-Szeto, Michael Wear and Randy Woodley.

This article takes a look at some of the foundations of this research: whether Christians see the past connecting to the present, why opinions vary by age and ethnicity and how pastors may influence this conversation.

Half of Practicing Christians See Ongoing Ramifications of Slavery Era Barna asked respondents whether they agree the history of slavery in the U.S. still has a significant impact on black Americans today. Half of practicing Christians (50%) “mostly or totally” acknowledge ongoing repercussions, slightly ahead of the proportion of the general population who feel this way (46%). Just over a quarter of practicing Christians (28%) says the U.S. has moved past this shameful part of its history, also on par with the national average (28%).