THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 8, 1994 TAG: 9410070031
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
The article by the Rev. Clark Morphew on segregation in Christian churches (Commentary, Sept. 25) raises a challenging issue.
In response to the questions, ``Do congregations ever . . . discuss how people of different races and ethnic backgrounds can be evangelized to join the worship hour?'' my own denomination (The Episcopal Church) is consciously and conscientiously struggling to do better.
At the church's general convention (the national church policy-making body) three years ago, we addressed the issue of institutional racism, i.e., examining the ways the church may keep people of color in diminished positions, even though individual leaders are not consciously racist.
More recently the House of Bishops presented a pastoral teaching titled ``The Sin of Racism,'' examining ways it believes the church has directly and indirectly contributed to this problem and committing itself to consciously work to eradicate racism, both personally and in the church.
At our recently completed general convention in Indianapolis, additional resolutions were passed encouraging congregations to welcome people of color, to raise up leaders which represent our racial diversity, and to recommit ourselves as individuals and as a church to avoid behavior which even indirectly denigrates those of other races.
Closer to home, the Diocese of Southern Virginia at its fall council passed a companion resolution, committing us to the same goals locally.
How are we doing? As often happens with Christians (at least with us Episcopalian Christians), our hearts and ideals are ahead of our accomplishments. There is certainly no room to boast, yet we aspire to move in the right direction: There is a vision and a call to action. As Mr. Morphew concludes, ``It is an exciting opportunity and a holy duty.''
JOHN H. EMMERT, rector
Old Donation Episcopal Church
Virginia Beach, Oct. 2, 1994 by CNB