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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
April 2002 |
Commentary:
The Church and reparations
By Anthony C. Hunt
What does the United States owe African Americans? What does the United Methodist Church owe black Methodists?
In the aftermath of the United Methodist Church's acts of repentance and reconciliation at the 2000 General Conference, the matter of reparations as a possible constructive extension of these ritual acts is before the Church. The 2000 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference commissioned a task force to study the effects of the 1968 merger on churches and related institutions that were a part of the former (all black) Central Jurisdiction. The task force is to report its findings to the 2004 Jurisdictional Conference in Syracuse, N.Y.
Reparation can simply be defined as making amends for a wrong, injury or injustice. Slavery, and subsequent forms of Jim and Jane Crow laws, have resulted in injury and injustice to African Americans. This injustice is evidenced in the death of millions of Africans during the Middle Passage; the disintegration of black families and the economic oppression inherent in slavery where blacks were treated not as humans but as property and never compensated for labor which, in large measure, served as the foundation of America's system of capitalism.
Furthermore, many would argue that the legacy of slavery has continued to plague African Americans. Philosopher Cornel West places this legacy within the context of what he terms the "nihilism of black America." He states that this nihilism exists as a certain nothingness - a meaninglessness and lovelessness - that continues to plague much of black life in America. Nihilism is evident in disproportionate rates of poverty, addictive behaviors, family dysfunction, poor health and violence in black communities, as well as the relatively low level of academic achievement among many black youth, especially in urban areas.
Given the legacy of racism in America, the question remains: What, if anything, does the United States owe African Americans?
Thinkers like Randall Robinson of TransAfrica, Charles J. Ogletree, a law professor at Harvard University, and nationally noted attorney Johnnie Cochran assert that America owes African Americans for the rich history that slavery and segregation severed. They argue that white Americans can begin reparation with monetary restitution, educational programs and the kinds of equal opportunities that will ensure the social and economic success of all citizens.
Is there a way for the church to equitably share power and resources? Given the cultural and theological differences among us, what will ecumenism and evangelism across racial lines look like? Is it possible for Christians to engage in ritual acts of repentance and reconciliation without simultaneously developing means of reparation and renewal?
A constructive approach to restoring hope might begin with a more just distribution of education, employment, health care, housing, safety and technology.
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Is it possible for Christians to engage in ritual acts of repentance and reconciliation without simultaneously developing means of reparation and renewal? |
Within the church, we might develop strategic approaches to refurbish older decaying church buildings inherited by black congregations, as many whites that formerly worshipped in urban churches now reside and worship in the comfort of the suburbs. We might develop approaches and commit adequate resources aimed at the holistic education of the young, as well as the spiritual, emotional and physical care and empowerment of the dispossessed and distressed.
The Christian church might create effective models of economic and community development, leading to the creation of jobs that pay living wages, the construction of affordable homes and the building of state-of-the-art schools.
We United Methodists might seek to realistically unite with our sisters and brothers who are now African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal. Each of us might seek to authentically relate - through worship, fellowship and service - with Christians who are culturally and ethnically different from us.
May God grant us wisdom, compassion and courage to do what is just and right in God's sight!
Last updated on 01/14/2004The Rev. Anthony C. Hunt is executive director of the Northeastern Jurisdictional Multi-Ethnic Center in Columbia, Md. This commentary originally appeared in the UM Connection, the weekly newspaper of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference.