Pastoral Priorities

First, let  me thank all who attended this year’s congregational meeting.  It was one of the best we’ve ever had.  I appreciate the willingness to speak and listen which was shown again and again. One of the items discussed was the Covenant of Racial Reconciliation which the Southeast Michigan Synod has invited all congregations to discuss, sign, and adopt. The Covenant was created by the synod’s Building Racial Reconciliation in Christ’s Kingdom (BR2ICK) team, of which I am a part.  It was developed as a way to keep us mindful of the sin of racism and the ways it shapes our lives AND to provide strategies to respond – so we can actually do something. Work on the covenant started over a year ago.   At the time, we did not know that an African American president would be in office.  Some may say that because we have a black man in the White House, we’re past all that ugliness. If we’re honest, we recognize that the reality of President Obama can push some feelings deeper.  In addition, hate groups have experienced a resurgence as people let old fears control their emotions and minds.The covenant begins with a statement that we recognize the sin of racism has distorted the community God intends. Thus, it remains relevant. One individual was concerned with the fourth commitment, to “actively engage the sins of racism and racial prejudice in partnership with BRRICK in our congregation, confident that this ministry of reconciliation has been entrusted to us by God.”  The phrase “engage the sin of racism” was confusing – sounding as if we were committing to practice racism. However, the definition of “engage” includes: “to fight or begin a battle with an enemy”; while ‘engagement’ means a promise freely made that carries an obligation to do something. Both of these words clarify our purpose:  racism is an enemy – one with which we must do battle.  And while it’s great to sign something, it only matters if it entails an obligation for action. One of the early supporters of the covenant was our late Bishop Schreiber.  In July, he sent out a letter explaining the rationale behind the covenant.  He wrote, “As Bishop, I continue to put forth a vision that would have the Southeast Michigan Synod be a ‘whoever church that by grace can grow everywhere’.”  “Racism hinders mission, hampers leadership, and helps sustain poverty locally and globally.” Racism is a reality.  Racism is sin.  But we have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.  So let the conversation – and commitment – begin.  Copies of the covenant are available; we will schedule a meeting to vote upon this later in February.

In Christ,
Pastor Julianne Smeck