The Privilege of the Past—Why We Can’t Just "Move On"

Throughout this series on Decolonizing Mission, we've confronted empire-building structures, theological colonialism, and moral evasion. But the most common pushback we face today is the argument that "these things are passed, and should remain there."

Harvey Kwiyani, Ph.D.’s work highlights this as the Privilege of Naming Something as Past. For those who benefited from colonialism, slavery, and the systemic racism that accompanied Western mission, it is easy to declare the chapter closed and advise those still bearing the wounds to "move on." But the close relationship between racism, colonialism, and mission ensures that the effects are not relegated to a dusty history book—they shape our present reality.
The legacy lives on in:
a. The Continued Defining of Cultures: The subtle assumption that non-Western Christian expressions must be validated by Eurocentric norms.
b. The Persistence of Structural Inequality: The lack of equitable financial models and shared power in global ministry, which mirrors colonial resource extraction.
c. The Unacknowledged Trauma: The systemic, inherited trauma we discussed earlier is ongoing, requiring more than just time to heal; it requires accountability and repair.

You cannot build a truly liberated, equitable ministry structure—a ministry rooted in love and justice—on a foundation that has not been examined, confessed, and decolonized. The failure to address the historical entanglement means we unconsciously continue to replicate its patterns, perpetuating the injustice.

Decolonizing Mission is not about dwelling in the past; it is about honoring the past so that we can genuinely participate in the future. We must relinquish the privilege of calling something "past" when its impact is still defining the present experience of our global siblings.

Guiding Light Press, 4th Floor, Silverstream House, 45 Fitzroy Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 6EB.

Join the Discussion:
What does genuine repentance look like for inherited structural sins? If we cannot "move on," what practical actions must leaders and organizations take today to dismantle the present-day structures built on the legacy of colonialism and racism?

hashtag#DecolonizingMission hashtag#StructuralRacism hashtag#PrivilegeOfThePast hashtag#Decolonization hashtag#Accountability hashtag#MissionaryHistory hashtag#SocialJustice hashtag#HarveyKwiyani hashtag#DeJoeQuarcoo hashtag#GuidingLightPress