Racism rears it's ugly head among "God's People" in Nashville

[Flammable Materials]

My father-in-law is a minister at a church in the Nashville area. Recently, he was approached by a minister of a fledgling African-American congregation who was looking to rent space at the church for their services until they could locate a building of their own. My father-in-law held a member's meeting, the vote was cast, and it was approved.

Since then, a shitstorm has ensued. Half the church is protesting the decision, the thing has been forced up for yet ANOTHER vote, and it looks like the racist half of the church is calling in reinforcements among the "Easter-And-Christmas" members. The racist faction now sits in the back of the church, talking amongst themselves noisily during the sermon. They ignore my father-in-law and give my mother-in-law contemptuous looks and won't even speak to her. Some of them have yelled at him after worship, shouted him down, and called his authority into question.

He entered the ministry in his 60's because he felt that was what he was being led to do. Unfortunately, he's learning as an old man what I learned as a young man. He gave up lucrative self-employment to serve his God, and this is the thanks he gets for it. Luckily, I had time to give up my aspirations for the ministry before entering formal training.

If the racists win, and the denomination is unwilling to relocate him in another congregation, he's throwing in the towel. And I don't blame him. I know for a fact that my daughter is going to ask to be removed from membership, and neither I nor my father-in-law will blame her.

And of course, they're the staunch Bush supporters. Go fucking figure. Sick bastards, they're destroying this nation from the inside out.

[CO Liberal]

1. More "Moral Values" For You

Those so-called Christians make me puke. :puke:

[redstateblues]

6. Nashville is called the "Buckle Of the Bible Belt"

racism is alive and well in our city. We had a "neighbor" try to get us busted by codes for renting the apartmant on the back of our house to a black man- bastards- they eventually moved- good riddance.

[Flammable Materials]

9. And Nashville is a BLUE city.

Nashville went for Kerry!

[FM Arouet666]

2. Sad and very disturbing

The hatred and bigotry of the right amazes me. They proclaim moral superiority, yet demonstrate intolerance, bigotry and ignorance. I often wonder what it means to be a liberal democrat. To me, it is freedom, freedom from this kind of hate. The rights moral values are a cancer on our society.

[agingdem]

3. Can't have "those" kind of people...

near our lilly-white god-lovin' Christians, can we?!

[Hello_Kitty]

4. Wow. Have the people opposed to the congregation

using the space admitted that it is because they are African-American?

[Flammable Materials]

7. The words "those people" have been used, yes.

If the vote goes for the racists, I think I'll bring up the issue with the Nashville Peace & Justice Center and see if they want to do anything.

[jdots]

5. in four years this scum bag patrol has lost 400 years

to every action there is a reaction,we talk about leaving,no these
sub humans have to leave one way or another.

[XOKCowboy]

8. Doesn't surprise me...

It's one of the main reasons I moved away from Oklahoma a long time ago. The hypocrisy is so transparent to anyone with an open mind. Look at the liquor laws. It wasn't until the late 70s that OK was a BYOB state. They still have some very archaic liquor laws to appease the fundies but it's always been wide open. The inside joke was the that the "drys" had their laws and the "wets" had their liquor. My dad owned the only liquor store in a small town and the deacons at the churches who renounced sin and alcohol were the ones that parked behind the store and came in the back door on Saturday nights and bought their half gallons.

Bush cozying up to the fundies is the scariest thing about his administration to me.

[hinachan]

10. And Jesus Junkies wonder...

...why the intelligent world considers them to be racist inbred hillbillies?

[MominTN]

11. Sorry about your father's church

I have lived in Nashville for 16 yrs and haven't seen much racism. My church sold their building to a black congregation that I've heard was somehow related to Oprah (maybe a rumor). Anyway it isn't Christian to be racist and I can't imagine what kind of church that is. If you want to message me, you can tell me and I will make sure I don't go there. I'm sure there are ignorant people everywhere.
But I really don't think racism is a big problem in the south any more. I've known black people at everything I attend and where I live, and it just isn't an issue for anyone that I know.
Sorry your experience hasn't been a good one. God bless!

[Nashvilliberal]

13. I'm with you, Mom...

I've lived in Nashville for twelve years now, and have found that the people, on the whole, are warm and welcoming. Certainly, like anywhere, you'll overhear the occasional racist remark, but it's rare, and typically comes from the mouth of someone so obviously ignorant that it hardly merits a response. I work in the country music business, and in twelve years in the studios I think I've heard the "N" word once, and the drummer who said it was so soundly castigated by everyone else on the session that he kept his mouth shut the rest of the day.

I'm Catholic (flame away, Catholic-haters), and go the Cathedral of the Incarnation, a beautiful church near downtown, primarily because it is so diverse. Black, white, the wealthy and the homeless, lower-middle-class single-parent-families and Vandy students.

For those so quick to criticize all the hypocritical Christians, remember in the original post that half the congregation was protesting, which would lead me to believe that half the congregation was accepting. Any time humans are involved, things are bound to get screwed-up. I hope the minister in this Church has the strength of conviction to use the pulpit to call to the attention of the entire congregation how shameful and un-Christian the actions of these racists are. It could be his finest hour, and it's exactly what Jesus would do.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

12. WHAT century are those people living in, for crying out loud??

Sheesh. That is just a crying shame. What, is the African-American congregation going to get "cooties" on their church or something?

:cry:

Best of luck to your in laws. May they stand strong.

[Liberal Christian]

14. Is your father-in-law's church part of a denomination?

Can he go for help to his denominational offices? This would be the kind of situation where folks in my denomination would contact the judicatory to try to get some kind of conflict management or resolution experience.

There's a group called the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center in Illinois that does very good conflict resolution work with congregations. Their help does not come cheap; it could cost $10,000 or so to have them come in. Again, this could perhaps be paid for with some help from the denominational judicatory. Perhaps some folks in the church who see the mission in renting to the fledgling congregation would be willing to make some extra donations to cover the cost. Local civil rights groups might make grants. There might be help even from the national church for a cause like this, depending on the denomination.

There is help for this kind of circumstance. Your father-in-law as pastor does not have to stand alone.

Jeanny

edited to make corrections

[GoddessOfGuinness]

15. My uncle caught hell for supporting civil rights activists

in the early 1960's in Washington DC. The District was still very much a southern town in those days; and there were a lot of people who were uncomfortable with the notion of blacks being treated with respect. He marched with Rev. King in 1963; and moved to San Francisco 3 years later, where he was much-loved by his congregation. I found the following tribute to him at http://www.sanfranciscoucc.org/fcc150b.htm

I hope you and your father-in-law might find in it some small spark of inspiration that will help you continue to courageously do the right thing. :hug:


James Clark Brown
We were blessed by have the Rev. James Clark Brown as Senior Minister from April 1966 to August 1980, and his dear wife LaVerna who entered into many activities and assisted with music.

Rev. Brown was born in Quinton, Oklahoma and grew up there during the Great Depression. His many odd jobs included working at a radio station and delivering newspapers. He graduated from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, and went on to Yale Divinity School where he won awards for preaching excellence. He lent his strong ministerial voice to the cause of civil rights during 50 years in the pulpit. He marched with Martin Luther King in the 1960's, and later spoke out for gay rights in the 60's and 70's. He also devoted time to bettering the lives of the young and aged, and in the 1960's was a delegate to the White House Conference on Refugees from Eastern Europe. He served churches in New Haven, Connecticut, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC prior to coming to San Francisco. During the 70's he worked with the Commission on Aging in San Francisco, and helped establish the St. Francis Meal Program for the elderly (they still gather in Plymouth Hall Monday through Friday). He opened this church to many self-help groups and set up a Youth Coffeehouse featuring music and comedy, where comedian Robin Williams got his start. His community service won him a Mayoral commendation, and then Mayor Dianne Feinstein declared August 3, 1980, Rev. James Clark Brown Day.

Following his ministry here, Rev. Brown served as pastor of the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula in Carmel Valley for 8 years, and moved to Santa Rosa in 1989. The Browns settled in Oakmont, but Jim Brown continued to preach serving as Interim Minister of churches in Stockton, San Rafael, and Hawaii, and Guest Minister at churches in Sonoma County and at our church.

Among his many talents we the writing of poetry, some of which he eloquently shared in his sermons. Included is one of his many meaningful poems:


"Do your best to come before winter." St. Paul to Timothy, Second Letter 4:19. Awaiting execution as a prisoner of Nero's in Rome, Paul sends a poignant appeal to his most trusted human friend, his "Dear and faithful child in the Lord," to come to him before winter's storms make such journey impossible. We do not know if Timothy was able to fulfill Paul's request.

Come Before Winter

"Come before winter." are words old and wise
Let us set sail now for the harbor
Of the things we truly prize!

For life's voyage is brief, uncertain,
Soon winter's snows may fall.
How sad to see ships meant for sailing
Which have not sailed far at all.

Ships meant to explore life's oceans,
To know waters deep and wide.
Yet still we lie at anchor
Resisting the outgoing tide.

Life's saddest sight is not the scene
Of souls storm tossed at sea.
For without the storm, the struggle and faith,
How else comes the victory?

No, life's saddest sight is of souls
Who have never yet set sail.
Those who refuse to live much or dare,
These are the ones who fail!

Still move the seasons swiftly,
The Spring, the Summer, the Fall.
"O come" says the Spirit, "come before winter,
Miss not the joy God intends for us all"!

Submitted by Marilyn Carlson

[mark414]

16. god bless america

united we stand

[RevCheesehead]

17. Sorry to hear about the trouble in his congregation.

Racism, unfortunately, is alive and well - it's just well-hidden in society. But people are VERY territorial about "their" church.

I've encountered similar problems, but don't know how to respond unless I know more about your father-in-law's church's polity. If it's United Methodist, then I can offer advice (especially since the denominational HQ is in Nashville - lots of boards and agencies who will quickly come to his assistance).

If it's a congregational-style of government (like Presbyterian or Baptist), then it becomes a bit tricky.

I guess what surprises me is that a vote of approval already took place. On what basis are the others forcing a new vote? Are these people regular attenders and donors, or are they creeping out of their dark holes to spew hatred? What does your church's governing board/session/council have to say? These are your elected church officers, who should stand behind their original decision.

At any rate, I would recommend that your father-in-law find himself some pastoral support (other pastors in the area). Ministry is a VERY demanding calling, and it's almost impossible if you try to "go it alone."

Tell your father-in-law that I will be praying for him and his congregation. And even if he ends up having to back down, it is NOT a defeat: instead, it is an incident which has shown him what the focus of his work should be, in order to bring healing to the congregation. And if he REALLY wants to take a stand, perhaps he (and several members of his church) could attend the African-American church for several weeks, as a symbol of solidarity.

Best wishes, and know that Jesus IS there in the midst of the struggle.

[The Backlash Cometh]

18. Your father should start his own church and minister to people

like us.

[obreaslan]

19. How about this...

The "racist" part of the congregation can go find their own "Church of Hatred" and the African-American congregation will be welcomed into your father's congregation. Or they can stay until they build their own facilities, it's up to them. :pals:


edit:to say congregation one more time. :)

[DebinTx]

20. Your father should approach them through their pocketbooks.

Racists will shut up if there's some money to be made (they're republicans afterall), so your dad should impress on them the financial bonanza the black congregation is giving them. Just think of all the things that could be had with this rent money. Then he should also remind them that these people are their neighbors and should be treated as they would want to be treated, as any descent christian would do.
Good luck to you and your dad!

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

21. Nashville always seemed very "whitebread" in religion to me

I am a Christian, and I lived in Nashville for almost 20 years. I followed the Nazarenes for a while, but didn't stay because although friendly, they were too self-satisfied (especially the First Nazarene downtown).

(On another note, I admit, I kinda missed Tony Alamo's street tracts after he was busted- they were really fun to read! Now THERE was a real bizzarro...)

[underpants]

22. "Easter-And-Christmas" members="Holly Lillies"

That is how a buddy of mine describes himself. They only go when names might be taken.

Sounds nasty.

[RevCheesehead]

23. In the trade, we call them "the C & E ers"

(Christmas and Easter)

Personally, I don't mind if they really aren't that interested in the life of the church. At least they usually feel pretty guilty about only going to church when their parents come to town, and put in a hefty donation.

But if those same people start up trouble, then I'd ask them why they were suddenly motivated to show up. It would also give me a chance to let them know that "racism is not an acceptable Christian behavior," and "The Church has grown up a lot in 30 years."

[JVS]

24. Maybe you can hit these people where it hurts

Perhaps your dad could say that if his congregation is unwilling to let this group rent space to hold their own services, it will be his Christian duty to invite the entire other congregation to come to services and perhaps invite their pastor to be a guest pastor.