Written by Meghan Claussen, Director of Communications for First UMC of San Diego
First United Methodist Church of San Diego (FUMCSD) is thrilled to celebrate the hard work of Rev. Dr. Brittany Juliette Hanlin who recently was conferred with her Doctor of Ministry from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.
During her time in the program, Rev. Dr. Hanlin leaned into her focus of racial justice, bringing together important findings regarding the impact of iconography in Christian spaces, specifically the sanctuaries of predominately White, progressive congregations. Titled “From Savior to Symbol: Shattering the Stained Glass Behind the White Christ,” she shares how iconography has shaped her experience, as well as practices congregations can take to reshape what we see and how we see it.
As part of the project, Rev. Dr. Hanlin produced a video and blog that is publicly accessible through Candler School of Theology’s Scholar Blogs platform: https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/candlerdmin/2026/04/21/from-savior-to-symbol-shattering-the-stained-glass-behind-the-white-christ/. The article and video offer a glimpse into the heart behind her work — and provide a launching point for faith communities that are engaging in questions of justice and inclusion.
The FUMCSD community is beyond grateful for her leadership, scholarship, and courageous commitment to racial justice within the church and beyond. In addition to her work as Pastor of Connection and Care, Rev. Dr. Hanlin has invested significant time into the church’s racial justice ministry, including the development of the multi-year Sankofa Pilgrimage. Since the program’s launch in 2023, Rev. Dr. Hanlin has led United Methodists and friends across the Southern, Northeastern, and Midwestern United States, tracing the story from the Transatlantic Slave Trade through Chattel Slavery, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, and today’s struggles for justice.
The program continues this summer with an investigation of implicit and explicit expressions of racism on the West Coast. Travel and learning opportunities include pre-travel classroom learning (in-person and online) and a 4-day trip through San Diego and Los Angeles counties. Classroom learning is free and open to all, even for those who cannot travel. The 4-day pilgrimage is $450 per person and welcomes people of all faith backgrounds, including teens 14+ who may attend with a trusted adult. Registration closes June 10, classroom learning starts June 17, and the 4-day Pilgrimage embarks on July 8. More information can be found at https://www.fumcsd.org/sankofa.
