Wheatland UMC Fire
Historic Wheatland United Methodist Church in southern Dallas was struck by arson twice in a wave of vandalism. (North Texas Conference Photo)
In the last two weeks, 10 churches in the [predominantly Hispanic and African American] Oak Cliff area of Dallas have been vandalized. The latest episode, which occurred Sunday night (Sept. 29), hit entirely too close to home: a suspected arson attack at Wheatland United Methodist Church destroyed three rooms and left the church offices damaged by smoke and water. This was the second fire that has taken place at Wheatland UMC in the last week. Community UMC also was vandalized with spray paint the weekend of Sept. 15.
Inside Wheatland
The interior of the five-damaged Wheatland United Methodist Church. (North Texas Conference Photo)
These despicable acts cannot and will not be tolerated. While the motives for these acts remain unclear, the fact is that it is black, Hispanic and multi-ethnic churches that have been targeted. I fear that these acts are further evidence of the racism that has surfaced in our communities. I ask you to join me in praying for our brothers and sisters from Wheatland UMC, Community UMC and the other churches that have been affected. But prayers alone are not enough, we must put our faith into action.
The North Texas Conference’s Center for Missional Outreach is offering a series of webinars aimed at white clergy and laity to better understand and to see more clearly the racism that is embedded in our society and to give us the tools and resilience to partner with people of color. This is an opportunity for us to be a part of the solution by searching our hearts and minds, as well as our actions, and uncovering the ways we may be complicit. Webinar information is available here.
I also want to offer you this personal challenge: the next time you hear someone say something disparaging toward a person of another race or is supporting discrimination, call it out. As United Methodists, we have vowed in our baptisms to “renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness [and] reject the evil powers of this world.” Calling it out is a way to renounce, reject and loosen the hold that racism and white supremacy continue to have in our communities.
– Bishop Mike McKee, Dallas Area