Last night I went to bed troubled by the unrest and anger demonstrated in cities across our country. In the middle of a sleepless night I found myself trembling at the image and last words of George Floyd, “I can’t breathe.” Never would I have thought – in 2020 – we would witness the public lynching of a black man. In the lamenting words of my dear colleague, the Rev. Edward Davis (CM in the Southern Conference) “How long, Oh Lord, must we wait?”
This morning I woke up realizing my own despair will get us nowhere. I need to be to convicted again and again by the Gospel mandate of love, dignity and equality. I need to commit even more fervently to this seemingly endless journey toward the eradication of bigotry, injustice and racial violence. Will you join me?
I call upon the churches of the Wisconsin Conference, United Church of Christ, to:
1. Confess our participation and complicity in a systemic racism that blatantly discriminates against people of color, not only in the criminal justice system, but in every system – health care, education, employment, transportation.
2. Recognize the particularly devastating medical and economic effects of COVID-19 on people of color. In Wisconsin, for every 100,000 white people, 7 have died from the coronavirus. For every 100,000 black people, 37 have lost their lives.
3. Engage in more conversations on race. Until enough of us acknowledge and own the systems of injustice and white privilege that we perpetuate, we will continue to witness horrific acts of violence that treat black and brown lives as dispensable. Our website wcucc.org is full of resources.
4. Engage in peaceful yet courageous acts toward racial justice. Be bold enough to “call out” a bigoted comment. Give witness to the many young white people protesting in solidarity for equality. Reach out to people of diversity in your little sphere of the world. Write to your legislator. Preach racial justice in your pulpit. Ensure fair treatment in your workplace.
I have always been amazed by the resilient faith of so many African Americans, who – despite it all – lift up the message of hope captured in those old African American spirituals. Longing for transformation in the midst of agony is an incredible witness. I humbly pray for such depth of faith.
Rev. Davis ended his lament with a similar message of assurance. “How long, Oh Lord, must we wait? Not long.” Let us, together, tirelessly strive toward that day when all God’s children are treated as beloved.
Franz Rigert
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