Silence Of The Church
On September 15, 1963, a bomb exploded at 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Four Black girls were murdered during this act of domestic terrorism on the Black community. This event, as well as others, led to a strong push of what would result in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act would outlaw discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was instrumental in ending public segregation.
Led by Civil Rights activist and Baptist minister, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the church had the most influential role in moving towards the goal of equality. Marches and demonstrations were held by groups like the Freedom Riders to change the discriminatory laws and openly racist traditions. Groups like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, led by Dr. King, held protest in cities across the United States to bring national attention to discrimination, racial injustice, and police brutality. The church was the loudest voice in the room.
More than fifty years later, in a more technological advanced society, yet still fighting the same battles of discrimination, social injustice, and police brutality, we have known to many the coined term, “the Mega-Church.” This phrase describes an institution of not only worship, but a hub for both educational and social activities. Cities have forged relationships with prominent pastors and leaders to enhance the experience of the church. However, the battle of the past is here in the present, and the church is silent.
Congregations have become melting pots of color and race. White pastors are leading Black congregations. Black Cardinals are leading mass. People are more accepting of one another’s faith or religious beliefs. In return, when it comes to discrimination, racial injustice, and police brutality, there is a hush that falls over the church.
Merriam-Webster defines the church as a body or organization of believers. This word represents a collective group with similar beliefs. Beliefs that represent our Constitutional and Civil Rights. Beliefs that align with a Universal message of love and forgiveness. Beliefs that are codependent on equality and freedom. The church has a responsibility to the community to react and respond boldly, and not be silent. The church has a responsibility to denounce police brutality and racial injustice. The church has a responsibility to create a viable plan of mobility and action to move forward.
The silence of the church, leads to the contention of the masses.
