Using faith to fight racism

Bill Knight column for 7-16, 17 or 18, 2020

           

An old pal who’s a Methodist pastor recently got some social-media pushback for his support of eradicating racism (which is weird, even for Facebook trolls), and he bolstered his stance by deferring to his church’s leadership, which is impressive.

Bishop Frank Beard of the United Methodist Church’s Illinois Great Rivers Conference has written about the need – and the way – for Christians to express and live their faith in ways that reflect God’s love, including his love for justice and equality.

Days after George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis, Bishop Beard penned an eloquent essay remembering occasions when his being a Black American caused him anger, joy and emotions between feeling generation of people who were “broken and systematically oppressed” and he moment when Americans elected Barack Obama as U.S. President.

But.

“On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a Black man, was arrested for suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill to purchase a pack of cigarettes. Details of his arrest are sketchy, but the nation and the world have seen the video of a man handcuffed face down on the pavement, clearly not resisting as a police officer pinned him down by placing his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes.

“It has become increasingly clear that despite the significant gains in race relations, America still has a long way to go,” Beard continued. “Will George Floyd’s name and story simply become the latest addition to an ever-growing list of African American men that have died because of this nation’s racial intolerance?  Will our nation continue to unravel and spin out of control because of this recent tragedy?

“It’s time for the Church to step up and to lead the way forward,” he continued. “The healing balm that is needed right now has always resided within the church’s capabilities.  It’s time for the church to put on our work clothes and to get busy dismantling racism.”

Beard, who’s been in Christian ministry for four decades, added, “It has never been God’s intent that racism should exist, let alone thrive, within the body of Christ. We need continual, intentional holy disruptions that keep us from returning to our comfort zones. It’s time to confess the sins of our past, repent, embrace reconciliation and begin to chart a new path for moving forward as sisters and brothers.”

The Methodist pastor conceded that, “It sounds simple enough, but it is hard work,” and he proposes guideposts to make the path happen:

* Become aware of policies and practices that promote disparities based on race, ethnicity, stereotypes or economic status.

* Employ the use of empathetic listening that is engaging and helps with validating the feelings and personal experiences of persons of color, without being dismissive or making explanatory comments that seek to rationalize or soothe their pain.

* Learn to recognize and understand your own privilege and experiences based on skin color and power.

* Share your own story as you engage in tough conversations about race and injustice. Your story will help foster deeper understanding for you and for others as you interact.

* Recognize that America is not a “melting pot” but rather a “garden salad” containing a blend of unique colors and flavors meant to be experienced together. Do not give in to the myth that you must be “color blind.”

* Seek to identify with those that are marginalized and who face the effects of a system that thrives and survives on racist behavior and practices.

* Use the power of your own personal finances by taking a stand with your money. Be aware of the practices of those you do business with.

* Create safe places for difficult conversations, utilizing people experienced in providing diversity training.

* Develop and foster relationships with people of color based on mutual respect and concern for each other’s well-being.

* Pray for and with others, that Jesus’ prayer for unity would become a reality.

            Amen, Bishop Beard.