Black History Month
What about “Black History Month” at CLC?
First, I want to apologize that our silence up until now could easily have been misinterpreted – especially our failure to publicly acknowledge the recent homegoing of a truly great American, Coretta Scott King. Probably at the very least we should have included our condolences in the bulletin or via our video announcement slides, and we really have no excuse other than ‘tunnel vision’ toward our own upcoming events.
However, in regards to a February observance of Black History Month, we have chosen not to participate at CLC, not (as above) because we didn’t think about it, but rather because we have thought about it, and in fact, sought counsel from our African-American elders, pastors and leaders at the church as well.
Our collective wisdom is that in a multi-cultural congregation such as ours, where racial reconciliation is a stated and obvious core value, it would be best not to participate in a special observance honoring any one race, for several reasons.
(1) As some African-American pastors have pointed out, such an observance can seem to emphasize our differences rather than bringing us closer together.
(2) In a multicultural church such as ours, if we follow the tradition of a ‘Black History month’, then it would only seem appropriate to also do a 'Hispanic History month' or an 'Asian history month', etc. which doesn't seem like a good idea, as it could easily take our focus off the Lord and onto man. Instead, we do hope to creatively honor all the races during our annual Week of Missions this fall.
(3) Because of our already stated core values, and my regular remarks in sermons against racism, we feel our visionary emphasis should remain focused on empowering people, regardless of age, race, or gender, without an additional or separate observance of Black history.
You are certainly free to disagree, but we did want our CLC family to know that this was not an oversight on the part of our leadership team.
Jerry McQuay
Senior Pastor,
CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER
www.clctoday.org
posted by Pastor Jerry McQuay at 11:00 AM
8 Comments:
I didn't know people expected churches to celebrate Black History Month. I'm African-American and I've been to predominately black churches where the pastor was black and I don't remember them acknowledging it. I'm surprised anyone had a problem with that at our church.
As a white guy and new comer to CLC. I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed participating in Men's Fraternity and getting to know my brothers who are non-white. It has been a joy to pray with them and get to know them as friends especially in small group breakout time! It is also great to discuss spiritual matters with them and to discuss what the Lord is doing in our lives.
We can't treat everyone the same because the journey has not been the same. What's amazing is that ever race has not made the same type of contribution but we worry about offending them. If you have blacks that suggested to the pastor nothing was needed to be done, I suggest they review the history of blacks. If tunnel vision will allow you to over look thepasting of Mrs. King I suggest you take a look at where that tunnel is leading you.
We can't treat everyone the same because the journey has not been the same. What's amazing is that ever race has not made the same type of contribution but we worry about offending them. If you have blacks that suggested to the pastor nothing was needed to be done, I suggest they review the history of blacks. If tunnel vision will allow you to over look the pasting of someone like Mrs. King I suggest you take a look at where that tunnel is leading you.
We can't treat everyone the same because the journey has not been the same. What's amazing is that ever race has not made the same type of contribution but we worry about offending them. If you have blacks that suggested to the pastor nothing was needed to be done, I suggest they review the history of blacks. If tunnel vision will allow you to over look the pasting of someone like Mrs. King I suggest you take a look at where that tunnel is leading you.
Pastor Jerry I do disagree. I understand why Black History month was not celebrated but as an African American female I was and still am very concerned about that and yes as you said not even a mention of Coretta Scott King or Rosa Parks. I'm greatly disappointed in the leadership staff that felt that should not be recognized and also disappointed in my fellow African Americans who were "ok" with this oversight.
I'm not surprised that in a multi-cultural church we can have such differences of opinion - and I'll fight for your right to yours.
My main purpose for posting this on the blog originally was to let the congregation know that our observance of Black History Month was not an oversight - just as our leadership team regularly discusses our racial and cultural mix in every decision we make at CLC. So feel free to disagree with our conclusions, but do know that we aren't operating in a vacuum, and we have considered racial issues. Thanks,
pj
I understand your reasoning for not celebrating Black History Month and although its understandable from your prospective its not from mine. I have attended many chruches and I can say that you really are the real deal. I see no arrogance in you that many pastors portray and I appreciate that. I do blame however the black leaders in your staff for not keeping you aware of the importance of recognizing the black prospective that black history month, Coretta King and Rosa Parks have impacted on our lives. I find it disturbing that the black leadership are not brave enough and bold enough to speak freely to you about this. The bravery alone of those you ignored would be ashamed of thier actions. If we are to be stronger christians and soldiers for Christ we cannot be afraid to take a stand.
"The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it and ignorance may deride it, but in the end there it is." Churchill
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