I am afraid that by being honest I might change how people in my congregation see me. I am afraid of losing my ability to minister with them. But I have listened to white people in the congregations I have served, in those with which I have worshipped. I have listened in ministers groups, and in seminary. You too are angry.
Bridges alyways go both ways.
I do not deny the steps we have already made to be a welcoming place, a religious comunity where people irregardless of who they are, can feel welcome. I do not wish to belittle the work that has been done to raise people's awareness of the racism within society and within our churches. As one of the few people of color serving a predominately white congregation I know the reality is that few churches in the world, few association with predominately white members have called a minister of color to serve them. This may not seem like much, but as The Rev. Dr. Mark Morrison-Reed, As Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Rev. Dr. Diann Arakawa, as I can tell you the fact that our members choose not only to return most weeks to listen to what we might say and they call us to be with them, to talk with them, to help them, that they ask for our advice and sometimes listen, this alone is unique. The fact that our members expect that we will speak to the issues of their lives, that we can speak to the issues of their lives, is overwhelming, certainly a moment of grace.