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Racism still stings, bishop tells King

 
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7:00 A.M. ET Jan. 16, 2012

Editor’s note: Bishop Woodie W. White, the first chief executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race, writes a “birthday letter” each year to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in which the bishop reflects on the progress of racial equality in the United States.



Bishop Woodie W. White pens his annual “birthday letter” to the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in advance of the civil rights leader’s Jan. 15th birthday. A UMNS web-only file video image.
Bishop Woodie W. White pens his annual “birthday letter” to the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in advance of the civil rights leader’s Jan. 15th birthday.
A UMNS web-only file video image.

Dear Martin:

I reflect on race in America on this sunny, wintry day. I do so as the nation prepares to remember your birth date and what you did in your short life to change a nation and influence the world. We now know even better what a remarkable contribution you made and the legacy you left us.

I am especially mindful today of a recent experience shared with me by an African-American friend. Invited to participate in worship — that included an observance of the Sacrament of Holy Communion at a nearby predominantly white congregation — my friend had gladly responded.

It was when he helped distribute the bread and juice that one couple caused the solemnity of the occasion to turn a bit sour. They refused to take the elements from black hands! It was an awkward moment, but my friend moved on to more welcoming hands and faces.

Obviously, the biased couple did not take seriously the words uttered by the pastor only moments earlier: “Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways: Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort, and make your humble confession to almighty God.”

My friend and I put the incident in perspective. It was one couple out of hundreds! Those two individuals should not characterize either white people or the congregation. Yet the sting of racial prejudice, whether coming from hundreds or from a single individual, is a sting nonetheless.

Perhaps that is the difficulty of navigating race in America as an identified racial minority — that is, the unpredictability of encountering racism in day-to-day living. One must always be prepared. It can manifest itself in so many different places and in so many different forms. In a classroom or office, at a department store counter, in a committee meeting or in a casual conversation, even at the Table of the Lord. One simply never knows.

America’s stubborn virus?


The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in Washington was dedicated by President Obama on Oct. 16, 2011. A UMNS photo courtesy of Maille Bradfield.
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in Washington was dedicated by President Obama on Oct. 16, 2011.
A UMNS photo courtesy of Maille Bradfield.
View in Photo Gallery

Martin, in 1944 the discussion of race in America was characterized by the famed Swedish social scientist Gunnar Myrdal in his study titled "An American Dilemma." He described the race problem in America as the contradiction between segregation and discrimination on the one hand, and on the other, the American ideal of freedom, equality and justice for all. In 2012, I wonder if race might better be described as America’s stubborn virus.

Many years ago, I likened racism to Johnson grass, that tough, elusive type of grass that seems to defy destruction. When it appears to be eradicated, it shows up elsewhere. It can even grow through tiny cracks in cement! One thinks it’s gone and then discovers it was only dormant.

That may have been the mistake of those who claimed we were in a “post-racial” era following the election of the first African-American as president of the United States.

Martin, you would undoubtedly be overwhelmed with the progress made in America in the past 40 years. Only those who did not know the pre-Civil Rights America could or would claim the country has not changed. But Martin, it has not changed enough!

I continue to marvel at the general silence about race and the American presidency. While recent studies still conclude that white and black Americans view race differently, I can think of no place where that is more glaringly true than in the assessment of the current presidential administration. Black Americans view the president as having been disrespected, unduly criticized, his accomplishments dismissed and minimized. However, when media pundits make the same observation, they simply ask with wonderment, “Why?” None or few point to an underlying race factor.

When the United States lost its bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, some Americans actually cheered because our president had supported the nation’s bid! For many black Americans, we are convinced there are those who would rather see the country fail than see the first African-American as president succeed. Martin, in the psyche of many Americans, race trumps all else — patriotism and even theology!

One must be quick, very quick, Martin, to note that even those who would return America to a pre-Civil Rights era are bound to failure. Attempts to politicize race in the 21st century — as it was in the 20th century — will not succeed. Even laws enacted by some state legislatures that are interpreted as measures to “suppress” the vote of black and brown Americans and otherwise disenfranchise these voters will not stand. America and Americans have changed too much for that to happen, however much it may appear otherwise.

Not just political but moral issue



The Rev. Joseph E. Lowery (with microphone) leads the singing of We Shall Overcome during his 90th birthday celebration Oct. 9, 2011 at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. A UMNS photo by Kathleen Barry.
The Rev. Joseph E. Lowery (with microphone) leads the singing of “We Shall Overcome” during his 90th birthday celebration Oct. 9, 2011 at the Atlanta Symphony Hall.
A UMNS photo by Kathleen Barry.
View in Photo Gallery

Besides, Martin, you reminded us that racial justice and equality, in the final analysis, are not merely political issues but moral ones! We are not simply working for an America that is fair, but a nation that is morally and ethically just. Racial or religious bigotry has no place in such a nation or society. We are a family not just of nations but the family of God. God’s children, all.

Martin, let me close with the words of our beloved colleague, the Rev. Joe Lowery, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, and is still protesting, and championing the cause of justice, even on a cane! In his book, "Singing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land," Dr. Lowery reminds us all:

“. . . We must not let anybody quench our spirits, nor dim our lights, nor mute our trumpets, nor silence our voices! We must not let them work harder, love more dearly, vote more faithfully! We must not let them turn back the clock. We have marched too long, prayed too hard, bled too profusely, and died too young to let anybody turn back the clock on our journey to justice!”

Happy Birthday, Martin! We Shall Overcome!

Woodie

*White is the denomination’s Endorsing Agent for Chaplain Ministries and bishop-in-residence at Candler School of Theology. This commentary originally appeared in the United Methodist Reporter.

News media contact: Heather Hahn, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

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Showing 11 comments

  • DouglasWRettig 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand

    The word 'race' is more archaic than ever.  Humans created races, not god.  God created only one species, Homo sapiens.  There are no sub-species, no races.  In 2003 Jeffrey Long and Rick Kittles published, Human Genetic diversity and the Nonexistgence of biological Races.  The genetic difference between people is so small that the concept of race has become "biologically meaningless".  God and science now agree.  The only human "races" are in our minds, but not in God's or in God's creation.

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  • Making Sense 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand

    Maybe it's time you stop writing Dr. King. He's sharing and spending time now Jesus, the disciples and all others including "red and yellow black and white, they are precious in His sight" Jesus loves the little and "all" His children of the world. Those of course of have Truly repented, turned from their sin and professed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. There is a principle we all should live by, like Dr. King the Word of God. Col 1:10. We should all take heed and believe the Word of God spoken by Jesus and relayed by Dr. King. Matt 22:37-40. In the case of our country, upon our awakening, we have forgotten our First Love, taken Him out of our schools, our homes and our government. There will always be hate or evil in the world as long as satan is on this earth. he is out to get all of us. Luke 22:31.All of us need to realize we are being called back to the One True God and proclaim Jesus Christ and repentance in order to regain our hope as a country and as a Christian nation. Exodus 20:3, 20:5. If not we will be placed in judgment. Rev 6.  This we must do to be forgiven and reconciled to Him. 2 Chron 7:14.  
    Just a suggestion. Maybe give Jesse Duplantis,  John Hagee,  Kenneth Copeland, David Jeremiah, Charles Stanley, Franklin Graham or members of the SBC, or possibly a former gang leader by the name of Nicky Cruz. Nicky helped save my life in 1973. And a white preacher named David Wilkerson saved his life.  I think interacting with fellow Christians who may be a "brother from another mother" might help. Maybe I'll have them call you. Take care and
    God bless. Psalm 51:6.

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  • theSunRoseClear 2 comments collapsed Collapse Expand

    I'm mystified as to why the UMC.org home page refers to Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech as "infamous."

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  • UMNS editor 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand

    Thank you for the head's up about this typo. We fixed it last night and have alerted our colleagues at the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race about the mistake to fix on their site as well. Thanks again. Obviously, we hope people coming to the denomination's website will remember and cherish Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech.

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  • Donnie T 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand

    It's ironic that the author plays the race card in regards to Obama's political opponents on Martin Luther King Day. Not only because it's a false charge and disingenuous, but it also goes against everything that Rev King believed in. He wanted men to be judged on their character, not the color of their skin. I know a lot of people who are against Obama's policies, but none of them are because of racial reasons.

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  • theospilot 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand

    PS. I will be looking forward to see if you all post these comments.

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  • theospilot 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand

    Some folks never can view the universe in any way except through the lens of race and the Democrat party..  Some folks may have a stronger calling to the NAACP than the Church for the Church's sake.  Their focus and cause is always much more related to race issues than the basics of the gospel, (I know some think they are exactly the same at all times) which can and will, when truly heard, turn racists into loving Christian people.  That would include racists of all races.  When will our present or past African American, Church leaders address the black on black genocide of abortion?  When will they address a culture that many times disparages education and glorifies criminal behavior?  When will our African-American Church leaders speak out about it's time to quit blaming "The Man", "The System", "The Past", for our present day, horrific problems and say our destiny is in our own hands and our own families and things must change?  How about an annual letter to the younger African-American generation entitled, "What we must begin to do for ourselves."
    Can some people ever hear that Obama's agenda is opposed not because he is black but because it is bad for America, bad for humanity, and bad for the economy, which effects all of us, Black, White and Hispanic?  This fellow supported the death (killing) of babies born alive when he was an Illinois politician.  You can still hear the speech out there  today on the Net.  And I am a "racist" because I oppose his policies? 
    The fact that a majority of white Americans elected a black president really says it all.  But it is hard for so much of the Black church leadership to get "unstuck" from the 50's and 60's.  Yes there was horrible, satanic racism at work against our black brothers and sisters.  It was a terrible sin and stain on our national history.  Yes it still exists and always will to some extent.  But discrimination is not just found today against Blacks.  It is found against Evangelicals and Orthodox folks in the disappearing Main Line denominations.  It is found against people of different body shapes and speech accents and appearances.  Though there still remains some forms of racism, there are also today some advantages for Blacks in promotions, scholarships, jobs, etc.  It is undeniable.  Right here in our own UMC...look at the percentage of Black UMC members as a percentage of the overall membership here in American and look at the percentage of Black Bishops and District Superintendents in America.  They are more highly represented in those positions percentage wise than in the general UMC as a whole.  And I don't have a problem with that reality.  But could we ever talk about that as a reality?  Have you ever seen an article discussing that fact in any UM publication?  I haven't.  When do we get some balance?  Is it time to emphasize greater personal responsibility?  I think so and Bill Cosby, a barrier-breaker has stated so as well.  Let's hear more balance.

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  • Roy Vanderwerf 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand

    Bishop, as one of your white pastors, I read your letter with deep resonance.  Every word and sentiment expressed feels profoundly true.  I am especially proud of the accomplishments of our president and astounded at the level of disrespect shown to him.  Thank you for your work.  Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.

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  • bishopmel 3 comments collapsed Collapse Expand

    As always, my colleague Bishop Woodie White has spoken the truth in love. Racisim is alive and well in our nation and in our Church. The sin of silence is deafening in the face of the disrespect and unjust criticism of President Obama. Werre are the voices of those who know that he has brought honor, respect and dignity back to the country? -- Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, retired.

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  • texastruthrules 2 comments collapsed Collapse Expand

    The sin of silence is deafening in the face of the disrespect and unjust criticism of the CRITICS of Barack Obama.  Its true I am white and have not walked in the shoes of a black person but neither have they walked in mine. As a white person who has power of attorney over an aged parent what besides my own morality stops me from voting for them in a presidential election. What stops me from voting for a recently deceased neighbor without an id requirement? You frame it as racist or going back to a pre civil rights era when all I want is honesty in an election. I believe that a minority is actually capable of getting an id. What a bigot I am in your eyes.
      When it comes to disrespecting the Obama lets discuss the biggie! I don't believe that he is eligible for the office of the president. I actually believe that the founders followed the 1757 law of nations that said a natural born citizen was born in this country to 2 American citizen parents. I believe that they wanted the commander in chief- the one person with the power to send our young men and women off to their deaths- to have an allegiance to only this country. A dual citizen MAY not. Is it bigoted to think that the founders may not have wanted a person who was a dual citizen of the US and Great Britain to be president after all the blood and treasure that was spent. Obama was a dual citizen of Great Britain and the US at his birth. Does this make me a bigot??? Does it make me a bigot to wonder when he was adopted in Indonesia if he became a citizen there? Finally if a white man (Dan Rather) is fired for kerning (the overlapping of typed letters on a computer for cosmetic purposes) on a "1960's" typewriter produced document why is it racist to wonder why a black man can do the same thing and nobody says ANYTHING!!!  Would a president of character spend millions of dollars of campaign contributions  from hard working constituents to keep original documents (there is a trial in Atlanta on Jan 26, 2012 on dual citizenship where he is STILL l hiding original documents) hidden. How about sending a decorated  military doctor to JAIL because he wanted to know that his commander in chief is legit. Would a leader with  character still play games with the people who took a pledge to put their lives on the line to protect our country. My questions are not based on race but actions taken by the president. He is the one who has CHOSEN to keep this issue alive. Is it because he has something to hide or is he stoking racial tensions on purpose. A man of character will have original documents in Atlanta on Jan 26 and put this issue to rest.  

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  • HollyinIllinois 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand

    The POTUS has not hidden anything. The State of Hawaii has published a copy of his birth certificate. I am tired of people using the courts to "keep this issue alive" when the US Constitution as it was written and adopted allows Mr. Obama to be president.

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