A week ago my denomination had their general assembly, a
large gathering of pastors and leaders, where a group of aging ‘White’ Pastors
confessed their sin of indifference towards racism. One of the stalwarts of the
church was in tears as he prayed. I’m humbled to hear this news but as I search
my heart in the aftermath of the murder of the nine in Charleston this
confession is many years too late. What has to go into a person’s mind to push
them to bring a gun to a Bible Study? They have been welcomed by the church but
have come to ultimately pull their weapon out and murder nine precious lives in
cold blood.
I was taken back by the banter over twitter about the social
media’s way of labeling murders depending upon their racial background. The
truth of the matter is that the young man that deliberately walked into this
Historic AME Church with the intention of murdering is truly a monster. What’s amazing is to hear the families who
have been ravaged by this monster to sincerely forgive him in the midst of their
pain and heartache. I’m humbled by the example of true grace and mercy that has
been exhibited by these family members as they inwardly wail at their loss but
express a hope that can even reach out to this young murderer.
How is it possible to live in today’s world and not see the
ongoing racism, hatred, intolerance and indifference between all races? As a
pastor I’m culpable for my omission of not talking more about racial
reconciliation. How is it possible to
claim to be a Christ follower and not see the injustices taking place where my
prejudice colors everything I do and say? What needs to happen to stop these
egregious types of incidents from continuing? I know that America tires of
hearing more tragedies and has become numb from the what’s next mindset. Yet,
the indifference will continue unless the average person chooses to take a
stand against racism and do something.
What’s going to stop the next young person from scheming a
race war to draw attention to his or herself? Yes, parents, pastors, teachers
and family members must start talking about this and not pretend that they are
far removed from where this just happened! I can no longer plead ignorant about
the background causes of racism and indifference. I must become a bridge
builder between races, cultures and socio-economic groups. We can no longer expect someone else to take
the first step.
One of my interns had texted me on Thursday night about
being in tears after hearing the full story about the mass murder in Charleston.
It made me wonder whether many of my fellow ‘White’ Pastor friends were also on
their knees in tearful prayer. My intern is an African American College student
from LA who is going to college in Phoenix.
Please don’t reassure yourself that indifference isn’t a
sin, trust me it is! Now is the time to do something and stop watching from a
distance. You could be the one that persuades someone from repeating what just
happened! Please pray for these families and this Historic AME Church.
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