What has the clergy said?

[LoisR]

It's obvious reading social media, including this publication, that bigotry and racism are still present in our society. I would be very interested to hear what has your clergy person said about this topic and what
"take away" points did you glean?

[billethkid]

It's obvious reading social media, including this publication, that bigotry and racism are still present in our society. I would be very interested to hear what has your clergy person said about this topic and what
"take away" points did you glean?

The question suggests an end result being sought is, the total elimination of bigotry and racism.
Statiscaly and realistically ....unrealistic!

[soonerforever]

It's obvious reading social media, including this publication, that bigotry and racism are still present in our society. I would be very interested to hear what has your clergy person said about this topic and what
"take away" points did you glean?

Most of what we hear is from MSM and a faction we can't talk about and when losing an argument playing the race card-- no matter the race of the accuser.
Every time I hear the word racist, I tend to give it NO credence at all because it is SO overused.

[LoisR]

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

[Stu from NYC]

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

Now where have I heard that before?

BTW would you agree that our society is so much better now than say 60 years ago?

We had been moving in the right direction until fairly recently.

[soonerforever]

now where have i heard that before?

Btw would you agree that our society is so much better now than say 60 years ago?

We had been moving in the right direction until fairly recently.

2012

[Bucco]

Most of what we hear is from MSM and a faction we can't talk about and when losing an argument playing the race card-- no matter the race of the accuser.
Every time I hear the word racist, I tend to give it NO credence at all because it is SO overused.

It is a real shame that it is "overused" and still even being used.

I like the words "tolerance" and "understanding"

[Velvet]

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

Doesn’t that depend on your definition of the problem? Some people live in denial. Or redefinition. I have noticed a huge drop in Covid cases in Florida in the last few days. Could it be a redefinition of who has Covid? Maybe what is Covid at all? In N Korea there is none at all.

Clergy has a wonderful ability to define problems in their ways sometimes. Depends on your faith.

[Bucco]

Doesn’t that depend on your definition of the problem? Some people live in denial. Or redefinition. I have noticed a huge drop in Covid cases in Florida in the last few days. Could it be a redefinition of who has Covid? Maybe what is Covid at all? In N Korea there is none at all.

Clergy has a wonderful ability to define problems in their ways sometimes. Depends on your faith.

If we are purposely reducing testing, then cases better drop.

That was the only motivation behind the changes made, albeit quietly.

[Velvet]

If we are purposely reducing testing, then cases better drop.

That was the only motivation behind the changes made, albeit quietly.

Yes, in economics we referred to these types of measures as “rubber rulers”. Forgive my scepticism no one wants Florida free of Covid more than I do.

[Two Bills]

What has the clergy said?

"Please send donations!"

[ficoguy]

Jesus said "love one another...as I have loved you"
Not that Jesus didn't get impatient or angry from time to time at trying to bring 12 non scholars up to speed

[Number 10 GI]

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

Another meaningless cliche.

[LoisR]

Has the clergy even spoken about this in their sermons?

[soonerforever]

Has the clergy even spoken about this in their sermons?

I remember a sermon when I was a teenager in rural Missouri with this very topic. The minister actually had the foresight of racial entitlement--not 'white privilege' that is being thrown around by MSM and a segment of society today but the beginning of the reparation talk and how misguided it was.

[Velvet]

Didn’t mean to derail the topic. I can’t remember any clergy addressing bigotry or racism, but I was in Bible College. We were regularly sent to Africa and other places in the world. We spent up to 4 years to learn the language of where we were going. I studied to be a Bible translator. To write the Bible in languages which may not have a written form yet. Also to help out in any way we could with what the people we went to needed. Clean water etc. We went by invitation only. Somehow racism never came up.

[ruralgoddess]

perhaps it's not overused; rather, it could be that racism is simply being called out for what it is/has always been?

[ruralgoddess]

isn't that what the Europeans did here?

[algi45]

Overused and untrue cliche, Lois.

[LoisR]

Interesting, or sad, that no one shared or heard(?) sermons on racism or bigotry.

[jbrown132]

I had a one on one discussion with my minister a number of years ago on a topic close to this. I did not agree with him on everything but we did agree on “do unto others as you would want done unto you”. I treat others as they treat me. Am I supposed to love these people who are burning down buildings, hurting and killing others? Am I supposed to tolerate these people who want to burn down everything this country stands for and turn the other cheek? And when I say these people I mean both black and white. When you cannot have a meaningful conversation with these people it will lead to racism and bigotry on both sides. Racism and bigotry has existed since the beginning of time. Will it ever go away totally? I doubt it as it is part of the human condition. Is it better now than a hundred years ago, definitely but it will never cease to exist.

[Pennyt]

My Pastor speaks about it. He asks us to love everyone regardless of their color, gender, nationality, etc. He talks about how Jesus told us to love our neighbor and how we cannot be silent against injustice to people of color.

[egmcaninch]

It's obvious reading social media, including this publication, that bigotry and racism are still present in our society. I would be very interested to hear what has your clergy person said about this topic and what
"take away" points did you glean?

Pastor Cliff Lea had a couple of (online) meetings with pastor John Christian (Leesburg commissioner). They spoke candidly about racism and what to do about it - strong messages to church members. Later, Cliff, John and another black pastor had a joint Lord's Supper online - incredible! Proud of the unity message from these three local pastors! Contact pastor Cliff if you want more information.

[theruizs]

I had a one on one discussion with my minister a number of years ago on a topic close to this. I did not agree with him on everything but we did agree on “do unto others as you would want done unto you”. I treat others as they treat me. Am I supposed to love these people who are burning down buildings, hurting and killing others? Am I supposed to tolerate these people who want to burn down everything this country stands for and turn the other cheek? And when I say these people I mean both black and white. When you cannot have a meaningful conversation with these people it will lead to racism and bigotry on both sides. Racism and bigotry has existed since the beginning of time. Will it ever go away totally? I doubt it as it is part of the human condition. Is it better now than a hundred years ago, definitely but it will never cease to exist.
Treating others as they treat you is not the same as “do unto others as you would want done unto you.” The latter is the way of peace and love for your fellow man, the former is the way of retaliation and hate. Loving those who do bad does not mean you agree with what they are doing, but it just may help them rethink their course of action. Also consider Matthew 5: 44-47.

[graciegirl]

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

Share with us your solutions.

I have found and this is NOT validated that it depends on the pulpit speakers. It appears very little is heard about politics from the Catholic pulpits, but the homily's follow the scripture of the day on caring and respecting others and on not destroying another's work. One of my favorites is the parable about the good Samaritan, a black man.

Is there a point here in the questions? Can we hear YOUR opinion?

[Villagesgal]

They may preach it, but look around you in your sanctuary. How many minority people do you see? Does your church openly invite minorities in? When they do come are they made welcome by all? The sermon can say whatever it says, but unless the congregation actually lives it, it really makes no difference.

[I Tango]

Has the clergy even spoken about this in their sermons?

If you listen to the right clergy, they are. Listen to Tom Hughes, Jack Hibbs, JD Farrah, James Kaddish, Barry Stagner, Jan Markell, Andy Woods, Don Stewart, and many others.

Of course you won’t hear it from a lot of the main stream mega church leaders because they’re afraid of talking about controversial issues because it might affect the number of people and dollars that come into their churches.

However meany of the pastors I listed do have thousands of people in their congregations and they don’t shy away from the controversial issues. I recommend searching them out on YouTube. Don Stewart even does a one hour daily show explaining how the current news events relate to bible prophecy.

[Johnsocat]

"What has the clergy said?" Do you really need someone to interpret the Bible to you? Read it yourself and you will find the answers to the right way to proceed in all situations you may confront. Morality and value systems are different for each individual so only their personal interpretations of right and wrong will determine the message they receive.

[jimjamuser]

It's obvious reading social media, including this publication, that bigotry and racism are still present in our society. I would be very interested to hear what has your clergy person said about this topic and what
"take away" points did you glean?
I would ask a rock for advice BEFORE I would ask clergy anything. They would ask me (a week later) to give them money $
to build them a pretty NEW church and continue their luxurious life. Also corrupt lives - like Jerry Falwell Jr.'s has been shown to be lately. He HAS fallen but he did NOT Fal .........well !!!!!!

[graciegirl]

Until recently and I wonder why that is 😱

Because being goaded and shamed and accused is not the way to change anyone. And neither is watching ornery and law breaking folks being deified no matter their color. People are walking all around the truth. If most of us aren't broken in the area of pretty kind hearts and pretty fair takes on things, why try to fix us?

I don't think that a lot of the anger witnessed and alluded to has ANYTHING to do about race. It has to do about all, everyone, each individual of every hue being responsible to the best of their ability. You lose me when you burn down buildings of innocent people who worked hard to have those buildings. I don't care if you are green with yellow polka dots. STOP IT!!! Stop making a big deal about race when it isn't about race. It is about obeying the law and working hard and saving your money after seeing that laws are in place for everyone to be able to do that. Which I think we have. When you do affirmative action that signals to me that some people need breaks and pity. I don't like PITY.

[jimjamuser]

Now where have I heard that before?

BTW would you agree that our society is so much better now than say 60 years ago?

We had been moving in the right direction until fairly recently.
About recent changes - International Affairs expert Richard Haas says that CV will not CHANGE History, but it will ACCELERATE History. So, I assume it will ACCELERATE either more or less Racism. If so, buckle up America!

[Moderator]

Reminder...the topic is how your clergy has discussed race relations in recent times.

The thread is being derailed by a discussion of covid case counts. Please stay on topic or the thread will be closed.

Moderator

[jimjamuser]

What has the clergy said?

"Please send donations!"
Great post! Remember that Falwell - fell well into a sex scandal and fraud. And remember the young boys, who received a type of absolution, and the Priests, who got transferred around early in that scandal. I guess those are examples of "good advice".

[jimjamuser]

Yes, in economics we referred to these types of measures as “rubber rulers”. Forgive my scepticism no one wants Florida free of Covid more than I do.
I wish that my teachers in grade school had used "rubber rulers" back in the "dark ages" of primary education..

[jimjamuser]

I remember a sermon when I was a teenager in rural Missouri with this very topic. The minister actually had the foresight of racial entitlement--not 'white privilege' that is being thrown around by MSM and a segment of society today but the beginning of the reparation talk and how misguided it was.
As to reparations ---- I read that Abe Lincoln had a idea to send back Blacks, that volunteered to do so, back to Africa. Maybe his getting assassinated prevented that. And maybe(?) 50% of Blacks would have taken him up on that offer. And maybe (?) the present generation of those returning to Afrrica would be happier than those presently in America. It probably (?) sounds racist for me to say that. But, I think I am not. And I am not advocating any future repatriation or resettlement. (Native Americans are in greater need of reparations.) I just wish we were all one color or, better still, we could all be perfectly comfortable with our diversity. Diversity is good, but can be turned into problems when foreign countries and others are determined to use 'wedge issues" to spark a race riot or war. We are in VERY precarious times. Do not turn diversity into hatred!

[jimjamuser]

Didn’t mean to derail the topic. I can’t remember any clergy addressing bigotry or racism, but I was in Bible College. We were regularly sent to Africa and other places in the world. We spent up to 4 years to learn the language of where we were going. I studied to be a Bible translator. To write the Bible in languages which may not have a written form yet. Also to help out in any way we could with what the people we went to needed. Clean water etc. We went by invitation only. Somehow racism never came up.
Thank you for your service, which was as good or better than military service. Very empathetic and humanitarian thing to do. Also good learning language skills and experience broadening by travel and leaving the US "jingoistic bubble".

[Byte1]

Racism, especially systemic racism is a worn out crutch. You cannot mandate an "opinion." You can only mandate ones actions and treatment of others. No one can outlaw prejudice, or bigotry. Laws only mandate equal treatment regardless of ethnicity. I have known several racists that were/are great people and treat minorities as if they were colorblind. These same people would risk their lives for those same people and they treat all people with equal kindness. Being prejudice does not make a person a bad person. Treatment of people badly makes bad people. You will never rid the world of prejudice. Protesting and demonstrations only serve to change the laws or how laws are enforced, not change people's minds. You do not garner support by destroying property and assaulting people that don't agree with you. If one wants to erase racism, you must gain the respect of those that are prejudice against you. Motivation, hard work and kindness will gain you respect.

[jimjamuser]

There is the height of arrogance and narcissism .. entering another country to teach them your “bible”. By the way, Bible College is an oxymoron.
I am NOT a RELIGIOSITY proponent, but I can live with the other poster (OP)'s diversity. We are not ants or bees with only one mind. The OP has, obviously, a strong education and intellect. The OP seems to be openminded. Probably never cheated or harmed another human being. I have been surrounded with MUCH worse throughout my life. Just on what little I have read of the OP posts, I believe I could trust them. And if I were correct, I would not mind more in TV Land around me.

[jimjamuser]

There is the height of arrogance and narcissism .. entering another country to teach them your “bible”. By the way, Bible College is an oxymoron.
Where do you go? When you've gone TOO far?

[jimjamuser]

Treating others as they treat you is not the same as “do unto others as you would want done unto you.” The latter is the way of peace and love for your fellow man, the former is the way of retaliation and hate. Loving those who do bad does not mean you agree with what they are doing, but it just may help them rethink their course of action. Also consider Matthew 5: 44-47.
Some good logic there. To me it means, for example, today - don't spend energy hating the looters, but ask yourself WHY? And 3 WHYS ---1 ) Are they in need of food or money because of no work, or possibly just greedy? ---2 ) Are they anarchists and Antifa setting the stage and sparking the LOOTERS ?--- 3 ) What is the ROOT cause of the protests and so MANY protestors being involve - is their cause just ? What is more important - that some EGGS got cracked or does society deserve a NEW omelet ????

[Marty94]

I was a volunteer engineer on a team that traveled several times each year to Haiti. We were comprised of engineers, doctors, nurses, etc. My responsibility was to oversee the building of schools and a healthcare clinic and work on a water pipeline.

On one of my first trips, I had to replace some PRVs on a pipeline. I was down in a pit, waist deep in mud pulling out the old valves when I looked up and realized that I was surrounded by about 15 men who were staring and silently watching me work. When I finished, the gaggle of men followed me to the next worksite and a few even volunteered to carry my pipe wrenches. When I returned to the rectory, I told Father that I had a bit of a crowd watching me and thought it was rather humorous... let me put this into context: I am a woman. So on Sunday at mass, Father asked me to come forward and stand in front of his parishioners. He explained that I had a degree in engineering and it was because of my education that they had access to clean water. He asked them to think about their own daughters and what they could achieve if they would allow them to attend school. Since then, Father has reported a steady increase in female enrollment and I have returned several times to attend graduation ceremonies and even to see a few go on to college. It was heart warming to see progress in this incredibly destitute and remote village and especially the change in attitude of men who often asked me if they could send their daughters to help me in my work.

I am not an overly religious person, but I do attend church and I believe with my whole heart that ‘actions speak louder than words’. Recent homilies have included discussions concerning equality, centered around love, but more so to show one’s love through actions. While I knew at the time how important it was for me to fix the pipeline, I had no idea what the overall impact this would have. My actions spoke volumes and gave young women hope.

As a woman engineer, I know first hand the uphill battle of discrimination. Both race and gender have their challenges. I never let this be a roadblock. I persevere. Attitudes will change. It takes time.

[jimjamuser]

I was a volunteer engineer on a team that traveled several times each year to Haiti. We were comprised of engineers, doctors, nurses, etc. My responsibility was to oversee the building of schools and a healthcare clinic and work on a water pipeline.

On one of my first trips, I had to replace some PRVs on a pipeline. I was down in a pit, waist deep in mud pulling out the old valves when I looked up and realized that I was surrounded by about 15 men who were staring and silently watching me work. When I finished, the gaggle of men followed me to the next worksite and a few even volunteered to carry my pipe wrenches. When I returned to the rectory, I told Father that I had a bit of a crowd watching me and thought it was rather humorous... let me put this into context: I am a woman. So on Sunday at mass, Father asked me to come forward and stand in front of his parishioners. He explained that I had a degree in engineering and it was because of my education that they had access to clean water. He asked them to think about their own daughters and what they could achieve if they would allow them to attend school. Since then, Father has reported a steady increase in female enrollment and I have returned several times to attend graduation ceremonies and even to see a few go on to college. It was heart warming to see progress in this incredibly destitute and remote village and especially the change in attitude of men who often asked me if they could send their daughters to help me in my work.

I am not an overly religious person, but I do attend church and I believe with my whole heart that ‘actions speak louder than words’. Recent homilies have included discussions concerning equality, centered around love, but more so to show one’s love through actions. While I knew at the time how important it was for me to fix the pipeline, I had no idea what the overall impact this would have. My actions spoke volumes and gave young women hope.

As a woman engineer, I know first hand the uphill battle of discrimination. Both race and gender have their challenges. I never let this be a roadblock. I persevere. Attitudes will change. It takes time.
Truely impressive. Max giving back. You are a better person than I - lady Gunga Din.

[kendi]

Get yourself a nice cup of coffee sit back and relax. Here is our clergy’s response - 32 pages long.

My take away? Each one of us needs to look deep within and see where changes need to be made.

https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/open-wide-our-hearts.pdf

[kendi]

The question suggests an end result being sought is, the total elimination of bigotry and racism.
Statiscaly and realistically ....unrealistic!

Doesn’t really matter. The point is to continually work towards reducing it.

[kendi]

"What has the clergy said?" Do you really need someone to interpret the Bible to you? Read it yourself and you will find the answers to the right way to proceed in all situations you may confront. Morality and value systems are different for each individual so only their personal interpretations of right and wrong will determine the message they receive.

I was looking forward to the responses to your question but from what I saw everyone went off topic. Wonder if that means they have no idea what their clergy is saying. 🤔

[kendi]

has the clergy even spoken about this in their sermons?

yes!!

[Velvet]

I was a volunteer engineer on a team that traveled several times each year to Haiti. We were comprised of engineers, doctors, nurses, etc. My responsibility was to oversee the building of schools and a healthcare clinic and work on a water pipeline.

On one of my first trips, I had to replace some PRVs on a pipeline. I was down in a pit, waist deep in mud pulling out the old valves when I looked up and realized that I was surrounded by about 15 men who were staring and silently watching me work. When I finished, the gaggle of men followed me to the next worksite and a few even volunteered to carry my pipe wrenches. When I returned to the rectory, I told Father that I had a bit of a crowd watching me and thought it was rather humorous... let me put this into context: I am a woman. So on Sunday at mass, Father asked me to come forward and stand in front of his parishioners. He explained that I had a degree in engineering and it was because of my education that they had access to clean water. He asked them to think about their own daughters and what they could achieve if they would allow them to attend school. Since then, Father has reported a steady increase in female enrollment and I have returned several times to attend graduation ceremonies and even to see a few go on to college. It was heart warming to see progress in this incredibly destitute and remote village and especially the change in attitude of men who often asked me if they could send their daughters to help me in my work.

I am not an overly religious person, but I do attend church and I believe with my whole heart that ‘actions speak louder than words’. Recent homilies have included discussions concerning equality, centered around love, but more so to show one’s love through actions. While I knew at the time how important it was for me to fix the pipeline, I had no idea what the overall impact this would have. My actions spoke volumes and gave young women hope.

As a woman engineer, I know first hand the uphill battle of discrimination. Both race and gender have their challenges. I never let this be a roadblock. I persevere. Attitudes will change. It takes time.

Wonderful! You make the world a better place. Now I don’t know if this guy came from the part of Haiti where you put in the clean water supply, but when my daughter was in kindergarten, her teacher was from Haiti. I’d like to think it was from the area you helped. And in kindergarten he helped her.

[manaboutown]

It's obvious reading social media, including this publication, that bigotry and racism are still present in our society. I would be very interested to hear what has your clergy person said about this topic and what
"take away" points did you glean?

This is a leading question containing suggestive insinuations and asserting unconfirmed qualities.

My clergy would agree that these allegations are bogus and point out that is just another shakedown.

[manaboutown]

Jesus said "love one another...as I have loved you"
Not that Jesus didn't get impatient or angry from time to time at trying to bring 12 non scholars up to speed

Even Jesus lost his temper now and then. He even cursed a fig tree.

[oldtimes]

I was a volunteer engineer on a team that traveled several times each year to Haiti. We were comprised of engineers, doctors, nurses, etc. My responsibility was to oversee the building of schools and a healthcare clinic and work on a water pipeline.

On one of my first trips, I had to replace some PRVs on a pipeline. I was down in a pit, waist deep in mud pulling out the old valves when I looked up and realized that I was surrounded by about 15 men who were staring and silently watching me work. When I finished, the gaggle of men followed me to the next worksite and a few even volunteered to carry my pipe wrenches. When I returned to the rectory, I told Father that I had a bit of a crowd watching me and thought it was rather humorous... let me put this into context: I am a woman. So on Sunday at mass, Father asked me to come forward and stand in front of his parishioners. He explained that I had a degree in engineering and it was because of my education that they had access to clean water. He asked them to think about their own daughters and what they could achieve if they would allow them to attend school. Since then, Father has reported a steady increase in female enrollment and I have returned several times to attend graduation ceremonies and even to see a few go on to college. It was heart warming to see progress in this incredibly destitute and remote village and especially the change in attitude of men who often asked me if they could send their daughters to help me in my work.

I am not an overly religious person, but I do attend church and I believe with my whole heart that ‘actions speak louder than words’. Recent homilies have included discussions concerning equality, centered around love, but more so to show one’s love through actions. While I knew at the time how important it was for me to fix the pipeline, I had no idea what the overall impact this would have. My actions spoke volumes and gave young women hope.

As a woman engineer, I know first hand the uphill battle of discrimination. Both race and gender have their challenges. I never let this be a roadblock. I persevere. Attitudes will change. It takes time.

That is how you change the world. I truly admire you.

[quietpine]

In my church services you won’t hear any references to race, social justice, killing unarmed black people, violent protests, hate crimes, white supremacy, Trump rallies, election interference or any other topic that might offend a 99.9% conservative white congregation, you know the people who pay the bills.

[CanTho]

What has the clergy said?

"Please send donations!"

Donations ? I'm with you on this. They now actually accept credit cards, it is not uncommon for some to travel 1st class, have Huge Homes, Private Airplane, etc.etc.

So doesn't it really matter what opinions they have, follow the $$$$$.

Tuesday thru Saturday they practice the Sunday Sermon that's important big time, all about the delivery = the Donations = the Life Style = Living Large.

Monday's ? Rest the vocal chords.

[Northwoods]

I was a volunteer engineer on a team that traveled several times each year to Haiti. We were comprised of engineers, doctors, nurses, etc. My responsibility was to oversee the building of schools and a healthcare clinic and work on a water pipeline.

On one of my first trips, I had to replace some PRVs on a pipeline. I was down in a pit, waist deep in mud pulling out the old valves when I looked up and realized that I was surrounded by about 15 men who were staring and silently watching me work. When I finished, the gaggle of men followed me to the next worksite and a few even volunteered to carry my pipe wrenches. When I returned to the rectory, I told Father that I had a bit of a crowd watching me and thought it was rather humorous... let me put this into context: I am a woman. So on Sunday at mass, Father asked me to come forward and stand in front of his parishioners. He explained that I had a degree in engineering and it was because of my education that they had access to clean water. He asked them to think about their own daughters and what they could achieve if they would allow them to attend school. Since then, Father has reported a steady increase in female enrollment and I have returned several times to attend graduation ceremonies and even to see a few go on to college. It was heart warming to see progress in this incredibly destitute and remote village and especially the change in attitude of men who often asked me if they could send their daughters to help me in my work.

I am not an overly religious person, but I do attend church and I believe with my whole heart that ‘actions speak louder than words’. Recent homilies have included discussions concerning equality, centered around love, but more so to show one’s love through actions. While I knew at the time how important it was for me to fix the pipeline, I had no idea what the overall impact this would have. My actions spoke volumes and gave young women hope.

As a woman engineer, I know first hand the uphill battle of discrimination. Both race and gender have their challenges. I never let this be a roadblock. I persevere. Attitudes will change. It takes time.

What an excellent post. I much prefer your positive example to the condescending questions of some people on this thread.

[graciegirl]

Donations ? I'm with you on this. They now actually accept credit cards, it is not uncommon for some to travel 1st class, have Huge Homes, Private Airplane, etc.etc.

So doesn't it really matter what opinions they have, follow the $$$$$.

Tuesday thru Saturday they practice the Sunday Sermon that's important big time, all about the delivery = the Donations = the Life Style = Living Large.

Monday's ? Rest the vocal chords.

I am not the person to preach to anyone. I happen to like and love a lot of friends who seek and find comfort in churches of every kind. I find their piety honest and their efforts to follow Christian teachings endearing. I am pleased that their use of the ten commandments helps keep the entire world heading in a good direction.

I don't think any of them support tele-evangelists or any other showmen. I don't know of any who say that their priest or pastor has the big house and fancy car. Churches have bills. Bills need to be paid. Many outreach programs churches have to help the truly needy (and some sneaky not so needy) have to be funded.

I don't like for people to diss others for practicing their religion that does no harm and much good. I worry about anyone giving money to anyone for almost any causes. I absolutely loathe go fund me's. I mistrust every parking lot beggar and freeway exit bandit.

BUT....All this flippant criticism for those who put their buck in when they pass the plate is a bit much for even me the tight person.

It is wise to be careful with your money. Always. Very careful. But there are many, many, many good communities that worship God together.

[ruralgoddess]

no, it asked what direction advice from clergy is taking in presenting solutions to the current situation. WWJD?

[Bay Kid]

Mine say God bless our country.

[Quixote]

As to reparations ---- I read that Abe Lincoln had a idea to send back Blacks, that volunteered to do so, back to Africa. Maybe his getting assassinated prevented that. And maybe(?) 50% of Blacks would have taken him up on that offer. And maybe (?) the present generation of those returning to Afrrica would be happier than those presently in America. It probably (?) sounds racist for me to say that. But, I think I am not. And I am not advocating any future repatriation or resettlement. (Native Americans are in greater need of reparations.) I just wish we were all one color or, better still, we could all be perfectly comfortable with our diversity. Diversity is good, but can be turned into problems when foreign countries and others are determined to use 'wedge issues" to spark a race riot or war. We are in VERY precarious times. Do not turn diversity into hatred!


Check out the history of Liberia:
A Brief History of the African Country of Liberia (https://www.thoughtco.com/brief-history-of-liberia-4019127)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The last time I was a member of a religious congregation, we had Rabbi Goldberg. What did he say? Doesn't matter. What did he do? He got arrested with Martin Lewis King, Jr. in 1961 for protesting to establish Civil Rights.

I'm good with that.

[Byte1]

As to reparations ---- I read that Abe Lincoln had a idea to send back Blacks, that volunteered to do so, back to Africa. Maybe his getting assassinated prevented that. And maybe(?) 50% of Blacks would have taken him up on that offer. And maybe (?) the present generation of those returning to Afrrica would be happier than those presently in America. It probably (?) sounds racist for me to say that. But, I think I am not. And I am not advocating any future repatriation or resettlement. (Native Americans are in greater need of reparations.) I just wish we were all one color or, better still, we could all be perfectly comfortable with our diversity. Diversity is good, but can be turned into problems when foreign countries and others are determined to use 'wedge issues" to spark a race riot or war. We are in VERY precarious times. Do not turn diversity into hatred!

Ever heard of Liberia?

As for those blacks that "might" wish to return to the African continent, I know of NONE that would do so willingly. Why would they? Everyone that I know, including relatives are quite happy here, other than the occasional inference of racism when it becomes popular for politicians to use it like a weapon or tool. Many blacks realize that the product of slavery is their living a hundred times better in America than they would if they were born in most African countries.
Whites are accessories to slavery but not responsible for slavery (as everyone knows). You can no more cast blame on today's whites for the slavery of their forefathers, than you can blame a child of a black man that robbed your parents and may have murdered him, fifty years ago.
Reparations should be totally discounted, as there are NO victims alive. The person that stole my bicycle when I was seven was responsible for the theft, not his offspring. I do not demand restitution from the child of the criminal. Time to move on.

Racism is not a valid excuse for violence and destruction of property. Anyone breaking the law in a demonstration should be arrested and prosecuted, period. There is no excuse. Looting is another term for theft. Burning a building is another term for arson. Assaulting someone is a crime of violence. None of these crimes are excusable. If you believe that a police officer violated his oath of office or committed a crime, there are legal avenues for righting the supposed wrong. There is never a reason to destroy or kill to make a point.

My pastor does not speak of politics in the pulpit. He speaks of Christ's love for his fellow man. He does not speak of ethnicity in the pulpit, only Christ's love for all, including prostitutes, slaves as well as the rich.

[jimjamuser]

Check out the history of Liberia:
A Brief History of the African Country of Liberia (https://www.thoughtco.com/brief-history-of-liberia-4019127)
Thank you!

[perrjojo]

I can tell you what my minister said about 20 years ago. Racist, bigot, prejudice are not interchangeable words. Being racist as it was once defined was to prefer one race over another and that is a normal human reaction. When it becomes “sinful” is what we choose to do with that preference. Racism has been in existence ever since the world began. It’s what we choose to do with it that matters. Don’t flame me, you asked what the clergy has to say.

[Art cov]

The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy! It matters not what color or anything else. No matter how it’s dressed up n smooth over, we all will give account!

[PennBF]

A large part of our citizens have not seen the real racism that exists in a number of communities. When I was young I was witness to the large KKK groups in Western Pa. I have also seen the KKK in N.C. My father was a Preacher for over 50 years and preached in small coal mining towns in Western Pa and Churches in NC where there was exposures to these groups. In some cases the role of the African American is believed to be based on some scripture in the Bible. This is true racism and is indicative of the difficulty that is faced in eradicating the scourge. We were never allowed to show even the slightest of racism and where possible to support the Afro-American. Having said this I prefer the small churches in our communities as you can rest assured the Preacher is preaching out of dedication and is not deep in the politics of the Church. What can he do? In one of my father's churches, once a year he exchanged pulpits with
the Preacher in the Black congreation along with the Choir's. That's a start. It's not what your Minister is saying it is what he is DOING.:ho: