SOME REFLECTIONS ON FRACTURED RACE RELATIONS

SOME RELECTIONS FROM THE CCQF RECTOR FRACTURED RACE RELATIONS  

on April 28, 2015             

Many of our fellow parishioners, perhaps including you, are seriously concerned about the recent racial rioting.  As I have spoken with some of you,  I have heard a variety of opinions and some heart -felt concern, along with many many questions.

Although this is not a formal paper, I would like to see if there are some things that all (or most?) of us can agree on.

1.       Sin is the root cause for all racial conflict and strife.   Therefore, all of the participants in this drama share in responsibility for the problem.

2.       There are thousand and maybe even millions of peaceful and non-violent- African Americans, who have some legitimate concerns about poverty and police relations. 

·         Acts of violence has been condemned by an overwhelming majority of these citizens.

3.       Free Speech, undertaken peacefully is a fundamental right that we all acknowledge and value.

4.       Law and Order is required. Some laws have been broken by some police officers, who are being disciplined in accordance with the law.

·         This is s not occurring as expeditiously as some people wish.

·         However, there are larger roots and underlying causes which result in fractured race relations.

·         There are other minorities with a unique set of issues.

·         However, most whites and blacks and other minorities, people of major faith groupings, are all seeking to live together in harmony; and many of us do not personally experience fractureD race relations.   These are the citizens who all stand, together, for Law and Order, which is a chief tool in achieving a harmonious society.

5.       However, as hundreds and thousands of faithful clergy and laity through prayer, deed, and speech, we humans will not solve the problem of fractured race relations alone.   Rather, they and we look to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, who came to bring peace and good will on earth.  Christ died to and rose from the dead, that through us we might bring His healing to the world. Jesus is also the Great Physician, who can heal brokenness in in all relationships, including racial relationships.   Maybe we Christians are being challenged to pray and work more for a more harmonious nation?  I know that I am.  If we ask Jesus, He will guide us individually, and as an extended community of faith within the USA.

6.       God’s Word promises in 2 Chronicles 7: 14 that ,  If f my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  

Thanks be to God.    The Rev. John Donnelly