A White Man Speaks about Race
March 8, 2015
Text: Mark 1:21-28, 35-39
Some time ago Gail Arnall asked me to speak during Lent and share something I am working on. A couple of weeks later, Harold Vines asked me to speak to Friends of Jesus on the topic “A white man speaks about race.” He added, “And make it personal.” Today I am adapting what I shared with Friends of Jesus.
While I feel honored by both of these invitations, I must confess that the same question arises for me that is likely to be stirring in some of you – namely, is it possible for a white man, any white man, to speak with authority and emotional truth about race and racism? White men represent the problem. We have been the main opposition to change all along. How can we offer trustworthy perspective and even a bit of leadership toward resolving and healing this ugly, still festering wound in our common life? All I can say in my defense is that I am here because Gail and Harold asked me and my goal is to be as faithful as I can to their call.