Race, Religion, and Corporal Punishment in the ELCA's Social Message on Child Protection

A Proposal for a Culturally Humble Approach to Reducing Physical Discipline Without a Disproportionate Impact Based on Race or Religion

Abstract

The ELCA social message on child protection strongly opposes the physical discipline of
children but also calls on both the church and the state to address racial disparities in the child
welfare system. Since corporal punishment is used at somewhat higher rates in some faith
communities and in African American families, reducing corporal punishment and racial
disparities in the child welfare system can be challenging. However, this article asserts both
goals can be achieved simultaneously and offers concrete examples of how to do this. Although
this paper is primarily addressed to individuals involved in multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs), the
arguments advanced apply to a wide spectrum of professionals, including teachers and religious
leaders as well as parents and others who interact with children. Since the ELCA social message
on child protection also calls on the church to advocate for numerous public policy reforms, this
paper may assist persons of faith in advocating for strong policies in both the church and state to
confront racism as well as practices that contribute to child physical abuse.