"Building Bridges of Reconciliation" Series
September 29, 2005
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Over the next several weeks, the Reconciliation Mission Staff Team will write a series of articles challenging us to address one of the most prevalent issues of our generation and the most visible sign of division in the church - race and racism. It is our hope that this series will encourage and inspire you and your congregation in our shared commitment for authentic unity as we seek to become the "beloved community."

Racism: Intentional or Incidental - Same Thing!
Often, when we look at racism, we look at it from an individual perspective, "I am not a racist." One of the things that we see from history - the most recent being Hurricane Katrina - is whether I am intentionally a racist individual. There are serious problems of racism, classism, and poverty in our country. Whether or not we are personally engaged in racist behavior, racism is still a societal issue that we must address. Racism goes beyond individual choices and perspectives. It is systemic and lies deep within the fabric of national institutions.

Will we go beyond the individual, personal responsibility and be accountable as a church to our community? This is our purpose and mission as a faith community. To seek anything less than compassion and justice is not being faithful to the gospel.

From the perspective of those who faced losing everything they had from the recent hurricanes, compassion is welcomed from whomever is willing to give a helping hand… a "hand out." When you are in the midst of a crisis, you want your needs met and are grateful for the assistance. I am blessed to be part of a faith community that takes seriously this ministry of charity. From the perspective of those adversely impacted by racism and social injustice, justice is needed to give a helping hand… a "hand up" for equity, opportunity and freedom. We need to understand that oppression is as great of a crisis as the hurricanes themselves. Those oppressed want their burdens lifted and liberation from that which has them bound! Likewise, I am glad to be a part of a faith community that places priority on eradicating racism and dismantling systemic oppression. I look forward to the day when all who are victims of this sin can rejoice with us in knowing by our witness that an anti-racist, pro-reconciling church evidences what we do.

Just as we know from scriptures, "faith without works is dead;" priorities without evidence is hypocritical - a poor witness of our faith. If we are to be the faith community called the Church, let us take both justice and compassion seriously. Let us work diligently and faithfully until the Disciples priorities for compassion and justice evidence and witness everything we do and claim to be.

What can you and your congregations do? First, understand the power of one. It starts with an individual, personal introspection/reflection and action. Also, understand the power of the One - the Creator God, Supreme Being of the universe who calls us into being as a faith community. Through our faith communities, we hope to realize and live out the purpose of our faith, the mission for unity, and the hope of the "beloved community."

Go to http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/addressing racism.pdf for attachments that list things you and your congregation can do to eradicate racism and systemic oppression. By no means are the lists comprehensive. We invite you and your congregation to add to the list by sending your input and suggestions for consideration to Reconciliation Mission, www.reconciliationnmission.org, efisher@ogmp.disicples.org.

Peace with justice,
A disciple of Christ,

T. Eugene Fisher
Minister of Reconciliation