wfn.org | UMNS# 04591-Bishop rejoices at progress in letter to Martin

["NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Bishop rejoices at progress in letter to Martin Luther King Jr. 

Dec. 14, 2004	 News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470* 
Nashville {04591}

NOTE: A photograph and other related items are available at www.umc.org.

Each year, United Methodist Bishop Woodie W. White writes a "birthday" letter
to his late colleague, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., about the progress of
racial equality in the United States. Now retired and serving as
bishop-in-residence at United Methodist-related Candler School of Theology in
Atlanta, White was the first top staff executive of the denomination's racial
equality monitoring agency, the Commission on Religion and Race. Americans
honor King's memory on the third Monday of January.

Dear Martin,

As I begin this letter I must tell you of an incident involving one of your
closest associates and one of my dearest friends. A few months ago, he and I
were on a panel addressing the issue of race in the United Methodist Church.
We were especially assessing the gains made or not made, since the
discontinuance of the Central Jurisdiction. This was the racially segregated
organizational structure created by the denomination in 1939. In 1968, it was
not continued when a new denomination, the United Methodist Church, was
organized.

Following the panel presentation, a woman addressed a question to me,
inquiring if I intended to continue my annual letter to you, indicating how
much it was appreciated. I indicated it was my intent to continue this
practice begun in 1976. Whereupon, our colleague quipped, "Yes, Woodie,
continue, I just talked to Martin and he said he enjoyed hearing from you!"
The audience howled. Vintage Joe Lowery!

Speaking of Joe, you would be pleased but not surprised to know that he
continues to give critical and dynamic leadership, especially in the Atlanta
area and across the state of Georgia. His voice, perspective and counsel are
sought as he speaks out against injustice and advocates on behalf of those
marginalized in society.

Martin, I am now living in Georgia. The New Yorker and his New England wife
decided to settle in the South! We have become a part of a wave of black
Americans who are returning to the South. I continue to marvel at the
evidence of the New South, but observe traces of the old. Yet, I rejoice to
see that in less than 50 years, those relegated to segregated schools and
places of public accommodation now give leadership in every facet of public
life.

Sadly, I must report the deterioration of your beloved Southern Christian
Leadership Conference. You would be disappointed to witness the internal
conflict, distracting it from its important work of continuing the fight for
equality for all.

I am praying and hoping the organization can get back on track and include
new and younger leadership, so that it can once more be in the vanguard of
organizations seeking racial and economic justice. It is needed! 

No group is as revered and influential as is the black church and its clergy
leadership. When focused and corporately energized, it can impact the black
community in ways that outside social agencies and government cannot. We
still need the corporate voice of black churches and its clergy leadership.

Martin, we have just come through a rather divisive presidential campaign and
national elections. I am particularly pleased to report the election of a new
black senator. Historically significant is the fact that both candidates for
the open U.S. Senate seat were African Americans! The new senator from
Illinois is a bright, articulate, charismatic Harvard graduate. It is said he
has a bright future. Barack Obama is his name!

And oh, yes, the Congressional Black Caucus, composed of House and Senate
members, is at an all-time high with 44 members. Among those elected, I'm
pleased to report, is a United Methodist pastor, the Rev. Emmanuel Cleaver,
from Kansas City, Mo., a former Southern Christian Leadership Conference
leader.

Two additional significant elections deserve noting. Justice James Graves,
who had been appointed to serve an unexpired term on the Supreme Court of
Mississippi, was elected to the court after receiving 57 percent of the vote.
Gwen Moore became the first African-American elected to Congress from
Wisconsin. She will represent Milwaukee's 4th Congressional District.

Not so appropriately recognized and applauded is the historic appointment of
a black woman as secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, a preacher's kid from
Birmingham, Ala. Significant as well is that her predecessor, Colin Powell,
is African American. Condoleezza Rice, who is fluent in Russian, has served
in the important post of national security adviser to the president.

I fear both would have greater recognition if their party affiliation were
different. That is unfortunate.

The recognition of achievement and accomplishment of black Americans should
not be based on party membership or even religious affiliation. Our struggle
for freedom and equality was with hope and expectation that all Americans
could express their conscience, utilize their gifts and be recognized as you
well put it, not on the basis of their color but the content of their
character. I celebrate whenever a person of color walks through a door
previously perceived or labeled as White Only!

The mention of character brings me to an interesting discussion, a
dialogue-some would say debate-taking place across "Black America." Noted
comedian, entertainer and philanthropist Bill Cosby has caused quite a stir
by challenging parents, black leaders and ordinary citizens to a higher
standard of ethical and civil behavior and responsibility. It is a critically
important matter too long limited to discussions in beauty parlors,
barbershops and living rooms in the black community. Now perhaps community
conversations can take place, bringing together the diverse perspectives and
leadership that will result in a healthier, more constructive and productive
community. It can only be achieved, home by home, neighborhood by
neighborhood, community by community. The time has long since passed for
philosophical posturing.  

Well, Martin, I must bring my letter to a close. There is so much for which
to be thankful as we observe the anniversary of your birth. The achievements
of the last 50 years, the result of sacrifice, commitment and even life given
by Americans of various racial backgrounds and religious beliefs, should be
used as beacons for us to complete the work yet unfinished. 

What has become increasingly clear to me is that a climate can be created
that will thwart present progress and even reverse gains made. In light of
this prospect, all Americans must recommit themselves to this unfinished
agenda of justice for all.

As we remember and celebrate your life and work, may this be uppermost in our
observance. May we not cease our efforts until every American, hearing those
noble words, " ... one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all," will know the concept not as ideal but as reality.

Thanks, Martin, for moving us closer to that reality. Happy birthday!

We shall overcome!

Woodie
Atlanta, Georgia
January 2005

News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

********************

United Methodist News Service