My Wish Lists Login / Join

Forgive Us Our Debts

How Black Churches Use Bankruptcy to Survive

By: Pamela Foohey

Write A Review

Paperback | 21 September 2026 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Format
Paperback

Dimensions(cm)
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.0

Paperback

RRP $49.95

$42.75

14%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $10.69 with

Ships in 5 to 7 business days

A revelatory study of how Black churches turn the financial system back against predatory lenders.

When American churches face financial difficulties, a disproportionately high number of Black churches reorganize under Chapter 11 bankruptcy. There are no easy explanations for this distinction: not location, denomination, leadership structure, or the reasons for the loans. In Forgive Us Our Debts, legal scholar Pamela Foohey asks why, then, Black churches account for two-thirds of all congregations that file for chapter 11 bankruptcy every year.

Drawing on case studies of six Black churches and one white church, and one hundred and fifty interviews with church leaders, members, and attorneys, Foohey finds answers in a long history of predatory lending. Unable to negotiate with recalcitrant loan officers, Black churches turn to the legal system to force reasonable concessions from lenders to prevent the stripping of their wealth and the destruction of their communities. While the structural discrimination does not go away, these churches have found in the bankruptcy system a refuge and some power to fight back.

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.