On May 22, 1988, Pentecost Sunday, churches across the country will be focusing their commitment to combat racism. For many churches this will be a new emphasis of their work, while for others, especially Asian-American, black, Hispanic, Native American, and other minority churches, combating racism is not a new priority on their agenda. Pentecost Sunday is an appropriate time for developing a commitment to end racism, because on this day the church celebrates the work of the Holy Spirit that draws people from "every nation under heaven" into a new community of faith.
Throughout U.S. history, with few brief periods as exceptions, white churches have supported racism. Black, Hispanic, and other minority churches of necessity are struggling to confront and overcome the effects of racism with strategies that originate within their communities. It is especially important for white churches to listen to and understand these strategies. It is also important for whites to examine their own attitudes, church structures, and other institutions to expose and eventually eradicate racism and its effects.
In the past, Sojourners has encouraged citywide worship services and public actions on Peace Pentecost. This year, however, we hope that congregations will plan Bible studies, discussion groups, dialogue sessions, sermons, and liturgies on themes of racial justice, perhaps involving joint efforts between two or three churches of different ethnic and racial groups. This focus on racism should be deeper than is possible in a one-time activity.
As you prepare for Pentecost, you may find several of our resources helpful. The November 1987 issue of Sojourners, "White Racism: America's Original Sin," is available at the single-copy price of $2.75. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Company of the Faithful, by Vincent Harding and Rosemarie Freeney Harding, is available for $3 each. Bulk prices are available for both of these resources.
Also available is a reprint of the article "Taking Steps Toward Racial Justice" (Sojourners, February 1988) which suggests activities that can be used in congregations and small groups. This reprint sells for $.50.
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