What you describe in these reflections is for people who regard others as the same. Your thoughts only work between equals, people who value the humanity of others.
Neo-nazis, skinheads, or the catch-all, white supremacists are for the genocide of “others.” They don’t value the humanity or people of color, they want to take our livelihood and/or our lives. This includes Jews, whom you purport to love and black, brown and indigenous peoples, whom in your position as senior pastor, you lead.
If you think it’s not that serious or that I’m overreacting, I implore you to look up the recent Univision reporter’s interview with a white supremacist group leader. He’s not just the “fringe” of America,” that man and his wife represent a population who now feel extremely comfortable expressing their murderous intentions of hate (and that wasn’t a ratings grab, that’s real life).
Normally instead of replying to this kind of thing, I’d skip it. I don’t have to agree with everything leaders in my life say, I have learned to keep the peace, and to keep scrolling. You sir, however, lead an incredibly large congregation. People look to you as their leader and take direction from you.
Your response does more to hurt others than help . If you are truly as “committed to diversity” as Covenant touts, I suggest you speak to people, who genuinely love you, but don’t agree with you in this. Perhaps reach out to someone who doesn’t just “Yes” everything you do.
It’s been a while since I’ve been able to attend, but I’m technically still a member of Covenant. I realize by posting this here, I’m probably not welcome to come back, which is sad. I love the women’s ministry and have great friends there, but sir this is not how the racism problem in this country changes. Definitely we need the love of Christ and His power, but folks committed to white supremacy don’t see what they’re doing as wrong.
I’m sure there are many people, even people of color, in your circle who think this response is OK, you may have run it by them — but I assure you, this isn’t enough. As Christians, I like to believe we are aware of the commitment to love one another. But I assure you, bias exists and affects every one of us. Until we talk about dealing with it, it doesn’t matter how much we say we love people, when bias in a heart and mind is still allowing for separation.
I appreciate that you wanted to say something but what we are witnessing in our country right now is more than a “lack of understanding.” People are literally dying because of the hate of white supremacists, the presence of unconscious bias and because of the systems of white supremacy that continue to run multiple structures in this country.
Is Jesus the answer? Obviously. But many of these white supremacists absolutely believe their “superiority” is a God-given right. They consider themselves believers in Jesus, so the truth in your words above becomes hollow, and will not resonate with them, that kind of approach will not reach them. They are intent on the extermination of people of color, of others, of anyone who doesn’t conform to their “standard.”
So although you’ll be applauded for having said “something,” the lack of substance in what you chose to say, leaves much to be desired. If folks like you don’t step up to change this, it won’t. The cycle will continue, and those affected directly will continue to hurt. You’re choosing the pat answer. You’re looking at the issue, giving a casual nod to acknowledging racism, but still, you’re just ignoring it.
Without action items, this means nothing. Perhaps try talking to some folks outside your circle. It could be the first step to understanding and knowing what positive further steps you could take to enact the change I truly believe you want to see.
Whether you believe it or not, I still pray for and care about your family. This is all said in love, but know I’m passionate about seeing racism eradicated, so I can’t be silent in the face of the severe issues coming at us right now.
