Over the years, I visited a number of African-American churches.
At times, I was the only white person present.
I learned there is a tradition of visiting ministers sitting in the chancel area in one of the pulpit chairs. This is a great honor. I also found out they expected the visiting minister to say a few words. The first time, I cannot remember what I said, but I do remember thanking those present for the honor of worshipping with them.
Once again – more powerfully that ever – we have been made aware of the systemic racism that plagues every area of our society.
It has always been with us. It was part of our founding, has grown and never gone away. Because of systemic racism in our society, innocent people of color are being killed. It does not change and the cycle of horrific killings continues unstopped.
Say their names: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Philando Castile and many more.
As a child we sang C.H. Woolston, “Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world; red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.”
We were taught Jesus loved everyone, regardless of their color or race. Somewhere along the way, we have forgotten or decided Jesus loved some more than others.
Christianity is not guiltless when it comes to systemic racism. The Church has too often kept quiet, looked the other way, taken scripture out of context and wondered why – even with all the sacrifices for equality – there has been little change in defeating the evil of racism in our society. Response to the horrific death of a brother in Christ – George Floyd – has been anger, disbelief and grief.
“How long, O Lord? How long will it continue?” is our cry. Many peaceful demonstrators in numerous cities have marched for racial justice. Laws are being changed and reforms are happening. It is a step in the right direction, but we still have a long, weary road to trod.
Today is another opportunity to unite together and work for change; not just in Minneapolis, but in every corner of our country. Our economic, judicial, educational and healthcare systems have been stacked against people of color far too long. Working together, we can make changes for the better.
A scene from the movie Gandhi (1982) made an impact. Gandhi was fasting for peace and an end to violence. A man approached him with bread and said, “Eat, I am going to hell, but I will not have your death on my head.” He explained his son had been killed by one group, and he – in revenge – killed a boy from that group.
Gandhi offered the man a way out of his hell. He said, “Find a boy who has lost both parents and raise him as your own son, and as a member of that ethnic group.”
What will it take to get America out of the hell of systemic racism?
Remember, Jesus loves the little children of all colors, and his big children too.
They are all precious in His sight.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is the pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church.