MONDAY MUSINGS

April 14, 2008

Rev. John Krueger

An Important Conversation

On Friday, April 11, USA TODAY carried a full page ad prepared by the United Church of Christ.  The headline was “Let’s talk about race,” inviting a sacred conversation about race in this country.  Some of us will be preaching about this often contentious issue on May 18, and we will look for other opportunities to engage each other in this important sacred conversation.

I am convinced that those of us who have been born into the majority culture have little or no understanding of what life is and has been in the minority culture.  I have enjoyed “white privilege” all of my life.  Because of this advantage, I have experienced none of the discrimination or bias others have.  Being German in a Scandinavian community in western Minnesota does not compare with being African-American or Hispanic in Greenfield or other communities in which I have lived.  Race continues to be a divisive issue in our society, one we rarely talk about with others, especially minority persons themselves. 

It is especially important that such conversations engage Christians, church people who have been both outspoken abolitionists regarding slavery and stubborn supporters of an economic system that depended on slavery.  The Bible has been used to champion the equality of all, Galatians 3:28-29, but also to justify slavery, I Peter 2:18-19.  Most congregations are not racially diverse as they gather for worship on a Sunday morning.  Old stereotypes persist as jokes and stories that belittle those of another race continue to be told.  It takes considerable courage to express disapproval of such stories.

One of the suggested lectionary readings for May 18 is II Corinthians 13:11-13.  “Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell.  Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.  Greet one another with a holy kiss.  All the saints greet you.  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.”

I trust some of us will find it possible to be in dialogue with each other about race and its presence in our society.  I trust this congregation will be a safe place, a sanctuary, for such conversations.  I look forward to sharing race in my life story with you and I am eager to hear yours as well.  Together we can learn to “live in peace,” the Apostle Paul’s wish for the church in Corinth and no less God’s fervent hope for us in our time.  Peace.  John Krueger