“Now, in plain and practical terms, what does involvement in the world mean for us in local congregations?” This question is posed by my father, Francis X. Pirazzini, in his sermon to the Central Atlantic Conference of the United Church of Christ in 1965. He goes on to propose several answers. Here is one:
For one thing, it means squarely and honestly facing the race problem, which is the Number One problem of the day, and which is everyone’s immediate problem. If there are no colored people where you live, you had best start asking yourself and your neighbors why your community is colorless. If your congregation has made no contribution toward the United Church of Christ’s efforts for Racial Justice Now, you had best start asking why.
While the language is dated, the concepts are still relevant. Racism is still a problem in America today. Just witness the conversations on race or the lack thereof. Many believe people are equal under the law, so what more is needed? “Special rights”? While things definitely have improved since 1965, prejudice and bigotry are still a problem in American society. These issues pertain not only to Euro-Americans and African-Americans, but also to immigrants, Latin Americans in the US, Asians, gay people, women, and other groups and categories. There is still not equal access and opportunity for all. And what is the church doing about this? The church is still very much racially and ethnically separated. Women still aren’t fully included in leadership in the church universal. Neither are gay people. Or poor people for that matter, whatever their color or ethnicity. Think about it: When a new church is started, one of the most important factors to consider is parking. Parking, not whether or not the location is on a bus line with a bus that runs on Sundays.
March 21 is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination proclaimed in 1966 by the United Nations. There are events in our area to celebrate this day on Saturday March 23. Have you heard about them? Probably not, because we think we are ahead of the curve on racism and don’t need to give much attention to ending racism. We’re past that. Well, I can tell you that I have had people tell me of encounters with racism three times just within the past few days. So, racism is still alive and what is the church consciously, directly, intentionally doing to end this scourge which is an offense to God, to the ministry of Jesus, and to the human family?
Getting to know people who are different is the best way to end discrimination and racism. We got to do just that Tuesday night at the St. Petersburg Interfaith Association’s interfaith dialogue. There are many other opportunities to be involved in combatting prejudice by getting to know about others who are different than you are.
As a church, to be involved in the world means to intentionally act to end racism, prejudice, stereotyping, and bigotry. What is the church doing about this?
Prayer: All people are created in the image of God. In the ministry of Jesus, we see what it means to relate to others without prejudice. May we honor our humanity and honor God by consciously working for a world where there is no discrimination and everyone is truly loved. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 