This book investigates the persistent contradiction between the stated values of racial inclusivity in American churches and the reality of racially homogeneous congregations that often exclude individuals with disabilities. Mary McClintock Fulkerson, a scholar of theology, utilizes ethnographic research within a specific United Methodist congregation to challenge traditional theological focus on belief systems. She proposes a theory of practices and place that prioritizes the instinctual, embodied interactions that define communal life, arguing that these social dynamics are essential for understanding how churches can foster genuine equality.

Scholars and practitioners in the field of practical theology frequently cite this work for its methodological rigor in bridging ethnographic research with theological inquiry. Experts highlight the text as a significant contribution to discussions regarding the intersection of disability, race, and institutional church practice.