Dec. 14, 2004
Each
year, United Methodist Bishop Woodie W. White writes a “birthday”
letter to the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. about the progress of
racial equality in the United States. Now retired and serving as
bishop-in-residence at United Methodist-related Candler School of
Theology in Atlanta, White was the first top staff executive of the
denomination’s racial equality monitoring agency, the Commission on
Religion and Race. Americans honor King’s memory on the third Monday of
January. Dear Martin, As
I begin this letter I must tell you of an incident involving one of
your closest associates and one of my dearest friends. A few months ago,
he and I were on a panel addressing the issue of race in the United
Methodist Church. We were especially assessing the gains made or not
made, since the discontinuance of the Central Jurisdiction. This was the
racially segregated organizational structure created by the
denomination in 1939. In 1968, it was not continued when a new
denomination, the United Methodist Church, was organized. Following
the panel presentation, a woman addressed a question to me, inquiring
if I intended to continue my annual letter to you, indicating how much
it was appreciated. I indicated it was my intent to continue this
practice begun in 1976. Whereupon, our colleague quipped, “Yes, Woodie,
continue, I just talked to Martin and he said he enjoyed hearing from
you!” The audience howled. Vintage Joe Lowery! Speaking
of Joe, you would be pleased but not surprised to know that he
continues to give critical and dynamic leadership, especially in the
Atlanta area and across the state of Georgia. His voice, perspective and
counsel are sought as he speaks out against injustice and advocates on
behalf of those marginalized in society.
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A UMNS photo by Mike DuBoseThe Rev. Joseph E. Lowery helps lead a panel discussion during the Central Jurisdiction reunion. |
The
Rev. Joseph E. Lowery helps lead a panel discussion during the first
reunion of the former Central Jurisdiction of the Methodist Church in
College Park, Ga. The jurisdiction was a racially segregated structure
for black Methodists that existed from 1939 to 1968, when it was
dissolved into the five current geographic jurisdictions of the United
Methodist Church. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose. Photo number 04-364, 9/1/04. |
Martin, I am now
living in Georgia. The New Yorker and his New England wife decided to
settle in the South! We have become a part of a wave of black Americans
who are returning to the South. I continue to marvel at the evidence of
the New South, but observe traces of the old. Yet, I rejoice to see that
in less than 50 years, those relegated to segregated schools and places
of public accommodation now give leadership in every facet of public
life. Sadly,
I must report the deterioration of your beloved Southern Christian
Leadership Conference. You would be disappointed to witness the internal
conflict, distracting it from its important work of continuing the
fight for equality for all. I
am praying and hoping the organization can get back on track and
include new and younger leadership, so that it can once more be in the
vanguard of organizations seeking racial and economic justice. It is
needed! No
group is as revered and influential as is the black church and its
clergy leadership. When focused and corporately energized, it can impact
the black community in ways that outside social agencies and government
cannot. We still need the corporate voice of black churches and its
clergy leadership. Martin,
we have just come through a rather divisive presidential campaign and
national elections. I am particularly pleased to report the election of a
new black senator. Historically significant is the fact that both
candidates for the open U.S. Senate seat were African Americans! The new
senator from Illinois is a bright, articulate, charismatic Harvard
graduate. It is said he has a bright future. Barack Obama is his name! And
oh, yes, the Congressional Black Caucus, composed of House and Senate
members, is at an all-time high with 44 members. Among those elected,
I’m pleased to report, is a United Methodist pastor, the Rev. Emmanuel
Cleaver, from Kansas City, Mo., a former Southern Christian Leadership
Conference leader.
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A UMNS photo by Mike DuBoseUnited
Methodist Bishop Woodie W. White (right) and Barbara Thompson help lead
a panel discussion during the Central Jurisdiction reunion. |
United
Methodist Bishop Woodie W. White (right) and Barbara Thompson help lead
a panel discussion during the first reunion of the former Central
Jurisdiction of the Methodist Church in College Park, Ga. The
jurisdiction was a racially segregated structure for black Methodists
that existed from 1939 to 1968, when it was dissolved into the five
current geographic jurisdictions of the United Methodist Church. A UMNS
photo by Mike DuBose. Photo number 04-363, 9/1/04 |
Two additional
significant elections deserve noting. Justice James Graves, who had been
appointed to serve an unexpired term on the Supreme Court of
Mississippi, was elected to the court after receiving 57 percent of the
vote. Gwen Moore became the first African-American elected to Congress
from Wisconsin. She will represent Milwaukee’s 4th Congressional
District. Not
so appropriately recognized and applauded is the historic appointment
of a black woman as secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, a preacher’s
kid from Birmingham, Ala. Significant as well is that her predecessor,
Colin Powell, is African American. Condoleezza Rice, who is fluent in
Russian, has served in the important post of national security adviser
to the president. I fear both would have greater recognition if their party affiliation were different. That is unfortunate. The
recognition of achievement and accomplishment of black Americans should
not be based on party membership or even religious affiliation. Our
struggle for freedom and equality was with hope and expectation that all
Americans could express their conscience, utilize their gifts and be
recognized as you well put it, not on the basis of their color but the
content of their character. I celebrate whenever a person of color walks
through a door previously perceived or labeled as White Only! The
mention of character brings me to an interesting discussion, a
dialogue—some would say debate—taking place across “Black America.”
Noted comedian, entertainer and philanthropist Bill Cosby has caused
quite a stir by challenging parents, black leaders and ordinary citizens
to a higher standard of ethical and civil behavior and responsibility.
It is a critically important matter too long limited to discussions in
beauty parlors, barbershops and living rooms in the black community. Now
perhaps community conversations can take place, bringing together the
diverse perspectives and leadership that will result in a healthier,
more constructive and productive community. It can only be achieved,
home by home, neighborhood by neighborhood, community by community. The
time has long since passed for philosophical posturing. Well,
Martin, I must bring my letter to a close. There is so much for which
to be thankful as we observe the anniversary of your birth. The
achievements of the last 50 years, the result of sacrifice, commitment
and even life given by Americans of various racial backgrounds and
religious beliefs, should be used as beacons for us to complete the work
yet unfinished. What
has become increasingly clear to me is that a climate can be created
that will thwart present progress and even reverse gains made. In light
of this prospect, all Americans must recommit themselves to this
unfinished agenda of justice for all. As
we remember and celebrate your life and work, may this be uppermost in
our observance. May we not cease our efforts until every American,
hearing those noble words, “ ... one nation under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all,” will know the concept not as ideal but as
reality. Thanks, Martin, for moving us closer to that reality. Happy birthday! We shall overcome! Woodie Atlanta, Georgia January 2005 News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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