Responding to the Events in Charlottesville

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Lesley Dorsey
5 years ago
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1 Due to the escalating rhetoric of our world leaders this week, and the events in Charlottesville this weekend, I felt the Holy Spirit pulling me to speak about the evils of racism and what the church of Jesus Christ is called to do when faced with this racism. I did not preach from a manuscript, but rather used notes from many sources to guide me in offering the message. What follows are those notes. ~ Galatians 5:1, For you were called to freedom brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become servants of one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. Events in Charlottesville, VA this weekend (in response to the proposed dismantling of the statue of Robert E. Lee): o United the Right white supremacists rally o Peaceful counter demonstration by clergy and others o Terrorist attack car driven into crowd of peaceful protestors o Beating of a black man with rods in a parking garage From the Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe :Last night, white supremacists assembled in Charlottesville for a public demonstration of hate. They held torches and chanted phrases such as White lives matter! and Jews will not replace us! The city s mayor called an unsanctioned and despicable display of visual intimidation, (carrying confederate flags and shields with Nazi symbols) It s personal for me, since we visited that campus two years ago, when Paul was engaged in an internship at the University of Virginia Theater Department. We had found the community to be hospitable and quite progressive. At Annual Conference in June, I helped to lead a Workshop on Racism and how to be an Ally in times of Racism. We clearly delineated the theological foundations for working to eradicate racism in our Conference and nation, stating that God calls us to identify the sin of racism, to speak up, speak out, protect the persecuted, and model living the way of Christ s love. 1

2 Responding to the Events in Charlottesville In first-century Palestine, the rule was, You shall love your kind and hate your enemy. But Jesus teaches, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matt. 5:43-44) Jesus way: Blessed are the meek. Jesus way: Blessed are the poor. Jesus way: Blessed are the peacemakers. Jesus way: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. And the list could go on and on. The point is that Jesus is not interested in playing the same game as the religious leaders of his day. And as we learn by reading the gospels, Jesus has absolutely no patience with people who would rather stay trapped in tradition than tap into the power of Almighty God! Old way: Blessed are the strong. Old way: Blessed are the rich. Old way: Blessed are the warmongers. Old Way: Blessed are the satisfied. United Methodist Baptismal Covenant On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world and repent of your sin? Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves? Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races? From the 2016 United Methodist Book of Discipline (NOTE: I only read the sections in bold print.): "Racism is the combination of the power to dominate by one race over other races and a value system that assumes that the dominant race is innately superior to the others. Racism includes both personal and institutional racism. Personal racism is manifested through the individual expressions, attitudes, and/or behaviors that accept the assumptions of a racist value system and that maintain the benefits of this system. Institutional racism is the established social pattern that supports implicitly or explicitly the racist value system. Racism, manifested as sin, plagues and hinders our relationship with Christ, inasmuch as it is antithetical to the gospel itself. In many cultures white persons are granted unearned privileges and benefits that are denied to persons of color. We oppose the creation of a racial hierarchy in any culture. Racism breeds racial discrimination. We define racial discrimination as the disparate treatment and lack of full access and equity in resources, opportunities, and participation in the Church and in society based on race or ethnicity. 2

3 Therefore, we recognize racism as sin and affirm the ultimate and temporal worth of all persons. We rejoice in the gifts that particular ethnic histories and cultures bring to our total life. We commit as the Church to move beyond symbolic expressions and representative models that do not challenge unjust systems of power and access. We commend and encourage the self-awareness of all racial and ethnic groups and oppressed people that leads them to demand their just and equal rights as members of society. We assert the obligation of society and people within the society to implement compensatory programs that redress long-standing, systemic social deprivation of racial and ethnic persons. We further assert the right of members of historically underrepresented racial and ethnic persons to equal and equitable opportunities in employment and promotion; to education and training of the highest quality; to nondiscrimination in voting, access to public accommodations, and housing purchase or rental; to credit, financial loans, venture capital, and insurance policies; to positions of leadership and power in all elements of our life together; and to full participation in the Church and society. We support affirmative action as one method of addressing the inequalities and discriminatory practices within the Church and society." The Book of Discipline; Social Principles; United Methodist Church Getting back to our Gospel text for today, Peter may have been the first one out of the boat. But Jesus invitation to walk on the water is for us all. This gospel text reminds us that when we fix our eyes on Jesus, and risk getting out of the boat in response to Jesus call, we can triumph over the forces of chaos and meaninglessness. It shows us how, when we create a new strategy for life based on Jesus word, his power lifts us up, allows us to weather the storms of life, and trustingly do something new. Here is spiritual courage indeed the courage to venture forth into danger and to do what God has said can be done; the courage to risk taking a step that would be avoided by those with less trust in Jesus power. Walking on water means facing our fears and choosing not to let fear have the last word. It means discovering and embracing the unique calling of God on our lives and experiencing the power of God to accomplish what we would not be capable of doing on our own. But most people suffer from a lack of holy boldness, a lack of courage, a lack of trust in Jesus call and provision. For, it is much more comfortable to keep our feet firmly planted in the boat of tradition (otherwise known as the way we ve always done it! ), than to step out where the cool waters tickle that sensitive skin between our toes as we walk toward the glow of our Savior. Stepping out of the boat in faith can be the most terrifying and the most thrilling experience of life and faith. Yes, there will be times when even the most earnest believer will falter and lose faith. We lose confidence, we feel the water rising around us, and we need to plead for Christ to save us. Supporting one another by reminding each one in moments of doubt 3

4 to keep one s eyes fixed on Jesus allows us once again to tap into God s power, and trust Jesus to lead us across the deep blue sea. This church building was erected by those who were willing to take risks for the cause of Christ in the Kenmore community. Look around at this edifice. Can you image embarking on this kind of a building project prior to the days of power equipment? It took a tremendous amount of faith in the potential of the community of Christ-following water-walkers who were focused on a blue ocean strategy of bringing an un-churched community into a relationship with Jesus Christ. What holy boldness!! Where is our holy boldness today? In the face of racism and the threat of nuclear war, where is our holy boldness? When hate is loud, love cannot be silent. Love cannot look away. Because the front lines aren t just over there. The front lines are where we live, and it s time we show up to wage peace where others wage war. In this day, some of the greatest challenges may be to avoid allowing hatred to grip our hearts, or to allow fear to paralyze us. Christ Is Alive! by Brian Wren Christ is alive! Let Christians sing. The cross stands empty to the sky. Let streets and homes with praises ring. Love, drowned in death, shall never die. Christ is alive! No longer bound to distant years in Palestine, but saving, healing, here and now, and touching every place and time. In every insult, rift and war, where color, scorn or wealth divide, Christ suffers still, yet loves the more, and lives, where even hope has died. Women and men, in age and youth, can feel the Spirit, hear the call, and find the way, the life, the truth, revealed in Jesus, freed for all. 4

5 Christ is alive, and comes to bring good news to this and every age, till earth and sky and ocean ring with joy, with justice, love and praise. Between - by Constance Lois Schroeder The building was filled. Joyful songs of praise And justice rose with A kind of abandon. People swayed and danced, The musicians carried Us out of ourselves, Nearly to heaven. The speaker walked to The podium, a beloved Figure. But as the people Fell silent, it became clear There were protesters Making quite a racket Outside the church. I am afraid I only half Heard the words Of the strong and powerful Woman before us, offering her Wisdom, encouraging us, Exhorting us to be A witness of the Christ Whom we followed. There were prayers, But the heart in my throat Was beating so loudly. What if there was a fire? What if people got hurt? 5

6 What if I got hurt? We sang as we rose to exit, Facing the raucous crowd beyond the doors. I held her hand as we Filed out, And then I saw them. There was a line of people standing Between us and the Angry crowd. And suddenly I was brave, Joining those who Placed their bodies In peaceful protest In the between place. The power of that moment Will always remain Within me. Are you afraid sister? Are you threatened brother? Call to us and we will Stand with you. Let us stand together In peaceful protest. No guarantee we won't End up hurt. But we will not Stand alone. Deep breath now, Take my hand. Now is the time For courage, Now is the time For love. 6

7 Galatians 5:1, For you were called to freedom brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become servants of one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. 7

CAME Rev. Jennifer S. Leath, Ph.D.

CAME Rev. Jennifer S. Leath, Ph.D. A Pastoral Sermon Delivered to the Community of Campbell Chapel AME Church on 13 August 2017, Following the Events in Charlottesville, VA on 11-12 August 2017. 22 Immediately