United Methodists' Response to Charlottesville Events Continues

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UPDATED Aug. 17: United Methodists around the United States continued to denounce racism, white supremacy and violence after clashes between rightists and counter-demonstrators Aug. 11-12 in Charlottesville, Va.

From the General Commission on Religion and Race: 

"We are deeply troubled by the hatred and violence thinly cloaked by American rights of free speech and freedom of assembly. We call for an end to this perversion of justice and power that perpetuates terror, racism, and intimidation which is antithetical to the gospel and to the American vision of freedom and justice for all.

"Free speech and the ability to protest, while the right of every American, should not be used to terrorize, intimidate, or incite violence. As Christians and United Methodists we believe in the right of all people to thrive as individuals undergirded by a society of laws rooted in our common humanity, our common good, in short - in the love and justice of God.

" ... We call on all United Methodists, indeed all people of faith and good conscience, to join in the spirit of our common humanity to be people of power rooted in love and to put that love into action in every community, to stand as allies for justice, neither sentimental nor anemic but resolute in the knowledge that all people are created equal.

From United Methodist News Service: The Rev. Phil Woodson, associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Charlottesville, also testified to the ways people were already heeding that call amid the weekend’s tumult.

On Aug. 12, First United Methodist provided a safe space to the injured and others escaping the violence of that day’s white supremacist rally.

“There was and is only one path forward, and that is one of overwhelming love,” Woodson preached Aug. 13. “And yesterday that love took the form of flipping over tables to literally protect this building and those who sought sanctuary inside.”

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Bishop Robert Farr of the Missouri Area reminded United Methodists there that racism, white supremacy and white nationalism are found everywhere.

"The news from Charlottesville, Virginia should come as no surprise to Missourians. We know better than to dismiss the actions of white nationalists and supremacists as something that happens elsewhere.

"Less than two weeks ago, the NAACP issued a travel advisory for our state due to the escalation of discriminatory incidents and racist attacks. During my own travels across our state, I have seen the signs and symbols of hate and fear being promoted on private lands. I have personally witnessed black and Hispanic colleagues and friends suffer implicit and explicit forms of aggression simply because of the color of their skin. We know that hate, bigotry, bias and prejudice are not new to the American landscape. Nazi rhetoric is not new either. My father-in-law, Susan’s father, fought with millions of others from around the world to stop an ideology based on fear and hatred. The promotion of Nazi symbols is evil and antithetical to Holy Scripture which expressly states that, “God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Gen. 1:27).

"Last fall, I shared that it is not enough to be non-racist. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be anti-racist. We are called to action through prayer, standing in solidarity with those being persecuted, preaching and teaching love, and denouncing acts borne out of hatred. As Methodists, we are called to both personal and social holiness. This isn’t a multiple choice test. We are called to do both.

"Jesus said: 'Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other' John 13:35-37 (MSG). Hate speech and violence makes one unrecognizable as a disciple of Jesus. Fellow disciples, let us resist and name evil, confess the hardness of our own hearts, and demonstrate love for one another."

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First United Methodist Church of Ferndale, Mich.: Jill Allison Warren said in an email: "Our church sponsored a gathering Sunday night with amazing outpouring of people and good local media coverage. Our community is looking to the church to help in next steps." The church's Facebook page said some 350 people attended out of 850 who expressed an interest. Participants were invited to sign a banner to be posted publicly. The event was hosted by local United Methodist clergy serving congregations in Detroit, Ferndale, Royal Oak and Warren, and with Community of Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Community.

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Mount Horeb United Methodist and Trinity United Methodist churches joined with their sister churches in a "Unity in Community" prayer breakfast in Catlett, Va., on Saturday, Aug. 12 – planned before the "Unite the Right" events in Charlottesville, Va. The event was intended to bridge the divides between people, reported Fauquier Times.com.

“We looked at the atmosphere in America and thought the body of Christ has to do something. The only weapon we have is prayer,” said the Rev. Tyrone Green, pastor of Hearts Delight Baptist Church in Catlett. “There’s a breakdown in trust. Right now we’re listening to what the world is saying. We want there to be a shift to where God sets the story. God is in control.” 

“We worship differently but we can pray together,” said the Rev. Gayle Porias, pastor at Mount Horeb UMC. “We’re the body of Christ. We’re brothers and sisters.”

  About 40 people from churches in the Catlett area attended the gathering at Hearts Delight.

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The Rev. Dr. Thomas O. Brumett, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in McKinney, Texas, north of Dallas, gave a sermon based on Luke 14:7-14 recorded in the following video.

United Methodist Women issued a public statement:

"United Methodist Women condemns the racism, anti-Semitism and bigotry that bred the violence and loss of life connected to a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. We also lament the blindness of too many to the historical reality that the United States has from its very beginning been a multiracial country, built by a diverse population, not a 'white nation' in need of being 'taken back.' We decry the dog whistles of hate embedded in too much of today’s public discourse, which embolden and nod to the sort of hate and violence that was openly on display in Charlottesville.

"... We urge United Methodist Women and the entire church to speak out and resist fear, hate and scapegoating. This is our Christian witness." 

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Bishop Cynthia Moore-KoiKoi, episcopal leader of Western Pennsylvania, sent a letter to clergy,

" ... The events in Charlottesville this past weekend were horrific. As I heard the stories and saw video of the march, counter-march, fighting and other violence, I was reduced to tears.  It reminded me of previous videos I had seen of KKK marches, only those videos were from before I was born. The hatred I viewed this weekend was happening in 2017 and the people spewing the hatred were not afraid to show their faces! How God must be grieving because the rhetoric of discrimination and hatred continues to be boldly shouted and written on placards directed at God’s children.

"... Christians must resist the temptation to respond to racial and religious hatred with an anger that perpetuates violence. (Ephesians 4:26). The challenge is to respond with an anger that fosters grace-filled condemnation and accountability.  The challenge is to respond with an anger that fosters empathy and promotes justice for the victims of the vitriol and violence.

"... I ask you to join me in condemning these acts of hatred. I particularly ask those who are not usually targets of the KKK and neo-Nazi groups to condemn their acts. As an African American, I send a message by condemning these acts, but when the condemnation comes from an Anglo-American, the message is more compelling, particularly for those looking for ways to justify the actions of the KKK or neo-Nazi groups.

"... I am asking our Anti-Racism Team to suggest some ways local churches might respond. But don't wait for them. Pray and act, knowing that your bishop has been praying for your discernment and will support you. The world and God are waiting to see if we are people who mean what we say."

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In the East Ohio Annual Conference, Bishop Tracy S. Malone called United Methodist clergy to "be bold" in resisting racism.

"Each week, you have a sacred task, responsibility and opportunity to courageously and prophetically speak to the evil, hatred and violence that runs rampant in our communities, nation and world, namely the repulsive acts of evil and violence that took place in Charlottesville, VA.

"Is there a word from the Lord? We are a people of prayer … so, yes, we pray!

"We pray for peace, healing and restoration! But we must ask, what might God be calling the people of God to say or do at this time and in our respective locations to respond in faith and to confront injustice, bigotry, racism, hatred and evil in whatever forms they present themselves.

"What difference can we make? What walls can we tear down and what bridges can we build that will bring healing and hope and create Beloved Community. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

"Encourage and empower the laity to partner with you, and others, in being God’s agents of love, peace, reconciliation, hope and justice.

"Be bold! Be courageous! Be encouraged!"