Spin I: Get to Know the TOPIC
Most Christians do not want to think about racism unless an incident arises in their lives. As human beings we have a tendency to form groups of like-minded people. Churches are not an exception to this phenomenon. Most Christian congregations in the U.S. tend to be “all one race” or something very similar. It has been said that Sunday morning is one of the most segregated times of the week. Because of our desire to be with “people like us,” our Sunday morning gatherings manifest just how separate we are on many levels. Race is one of the issues which tend to divide us.
Does this separation in our faith and worship mean we are racist? Well, that is the question we address in this session. There are many arguments on both sides of this issue. However, because there are so many arguments, the issue of the existence of racism in the church must be a conversation. If we do not have a conversation on racism, then we fuel the conflicts between the sides. Our silence gives permission for racism to continue.
In 1997, two churches in Evansville, Indiana, one white and one African American, decided that unless they found ways to interact with one another, they were as responsible for racism in the United States as someone who clearly endorses segregation. Whether you agree or disagree with these congregations, the conversation is worth having. Take some time to wrestle with your core beliefs as a Christian. Do you believe your congregation should be held responsible for the continued rise of racism in the United States if it continues as an “all one race” congregation? Use Spins 3 and 4 to facilitate your preparation!
Spin 2: Set the FOCUS
Present a current event that addresses the issue of racism. For example, consider the following. In 1996, Texaco was accused of not promoting African-American employees to top management positions. Tapes of white managers making “racist comments” made the news when they were discovered. In 1997, South Carolina struggled over whether flying the Confederate flag over their capitol building was racist or not. In 1998, a Jasper, Texas man was dragged to death behind a truck. The drivers allegedly killed the man because he was black.
Another option is to show a clip from the movie “Rosewood,” based on a true story. I recommend the scene in which a father stands with his son, overlooking a hole with several murdered African-Americans in it, and says to his son, God made the world this way and it is our job to live in it.”
Whichever example you choose, introduce it with the words, “Did you see on the news last night…” or “Did you know that…”
Ripped from the Headlines: Rush Limbaugh resigns from ESPN on “Sunday NFL Countdown” that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan NcNabb is overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed. Ask them if they heard about this and what they think and feel about it and move on to spin 3
Spin 3: Discover “WHAT”’ They Believe
- What is racism? Are you a racist?
- Do you know anyone who is racist? What makes them racist?
- If a congregation has only one race of people in it, is it racist?
- Do you think your congregation is racist?
- If your congregation is “all one race,” is it responsible for racism?
- Do you believe your congregation would hire a minister of another race? ? Do you believe that God wants congregations to be separated by race?
Spin 4: Explore “WHY” They Believe It
- How can you tell if something or someone is racist or not? “
- Where did you learn these criteria?
- Why do you think you are a racist? Why do you think you are not a racist?
- Why do you think an “all one race” congregation is racist? Why not?
- Do “all one race” congregations promote or deter racism? Why?
- Why do you think your congregation is or is not racist? What reasons or feelings can you give to support your belief?
- Why do you believe your congregation would hire a minister of another race? Why not?
- If not, do you think this makes your congregation racist? Does it help contribute to the separation of races? Why or why not?
- Why do you believe God would want the races to meet in separate congregations? Why not?
Spin 5: Introduce Sources of AUTHORITY
~ Genesis 28: 1-4 stresses the importance of marrying within one’s race in order to be blessed by God. Many scriptures use the language of “God’s chosen people” to express this need to protect a “chosen” race.
~ Luke 10:25-37 is the traditional story of the Good Samaritan in which Jesus challenges people to see beyond their own race to the human race.
~ Galatians 3:28 speaks for itself. “There is no longer Jew nor Greek, there is no longer slave nor free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Jesus Christ. ”
~ “Would our congregation be open to hiring a minister who is _____________________?” Adjust the above question so that the minister in question would be of a racial group not represented in your congregation. You might use a minority group that IS present in your community. The answer becomes an authority to struggle with.
Spin 6: INTERACT With the Authorities
- Do you think that Genesis 28: 1-4 justifies the separation of the races in Congregations? Why or why not?
- Do you think that the Good Samaritan challenges all congregations to find ways to worship together with other races?
- Which scripture do you agree with? Why?
- Do you think scripture stories can be racist? If so, what do we do with these scriptures?
Spin 7: ACT on What: You Learn
–Participate in a dialogue group with a youth group from a church with different racial backgrounds than your own.
– Plan a worship or youth group gathering with a congregation of a different race. Sit on a search committee and make your views known!
