You are here

A call to constructive commitment and engagement

Members of the Diocese of South Carolina wearing T-shirts with nine doves
By: 
The Rev. Canon Gregory A. Jacobs, Canon to the Ordinary

The tragic and unspeakable horror in the shooting of innocents at Mother Emanuel AME in Charleston, SC speaks an undeniable truth – God’s work of healing and reconciliation of African America and White America is far from being accomplished. We have lived in denial far too long.

For more than 35 years, our national church has called upon us to undertake the holy work of racial reconciliation, understanding, and healing through anti-racism dialogue.

Our diocese too has sought to undertake this work through the anti-racism conversations sponsored by NAMASTE, the diocesan commission to eradicate racism. While our diocesan policies and canons require that all licensed clergy and diocesan lay leaders receive periodic anti-racism training, what about the rest of us? Our collective commitment as a diocese must be for all of us to engage in this work, regardless of canon or policy.

The stark truth unmasked by the tragedy at Mother Emanuel is that our entire church – institutions, dioceses, congregations, and people must all pledge to be actively engaged in the work of racial understanding and healing.

To be clear, the task to which we are all called is not in response to a so-called “black problem”. Rather, it is an acknowledgement that “racism” is a sin that has infected every segment and strata of our society. So for those of us who honestly believe that there is no longer a “race problem” in America, the racially-charged incidents that have occurred throughout this country over the past year should serve as a wakeup call.

Our response is to look at Jesus’ own teaching and example, seeking to:

  1. Acknowledge the pervasiveness of the sin of racism.
  2. Recognize and confess the racism that resides deep within.
  3. Repent of the sin of racism and seek to amend our lives.
  4. Proclaim in word and deed our commitment to combat racism and become active agents for racial reconciliation and healing

And now my own personal appeal. I applaud our white clergy and laypersons who are already actively engaged in this work through their participation in NAMASTE. Others of you have manifested through the prayer vigils most recently held in the aftermath of the Mother Emanuel shooting, an outward and visible sign of solidarity and support. We need, however, more Spirit-led clergy and laity to participate actively in NAMASTE’s work itself, and at the same time to encourage others to become participants in NAMASTE-sponsored dialogues. The next anti-racism dialogues will be held at Episcopal House on September 25 and 26.

Just as important, our congregations mindful of our baptismal covenant must become engaged in proactive conversation and witness to Christ’s healing and reconciling racial justice by inviting NAMASTE to engage with them in anti-racism dialogues throughout this diocese. In so doing to begin to lay the foundation for open and honest conversation about race, the sin of racism, and how we might begin together to become Jesus’ voice in our own communities and in this country--wholly committed to the radical transformation of our institutional and personal constructs regarding race.

The fierce urgency of now points to what must be done.
And if not now, then when?
And if not us, then who?

Faithfully yours in Christ,
The Rev. Canon Gregory A. Jacobs
Canon to the Ordinary