wfn.org | Commentary: We're making history - let's celebrate!

[NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG]

Oct. 11, 2000 News media contact: Thomas S.
McAnally·(615)742-5470·Nashville, Tenn.     10-31-71BP{466}

NOTE:  A head-and-shoulders photo of Bishop Woodie White is available for
use with this commentary.

A UMNS Commentary
By Bishop Woodie W. White*

Ho hum! Three African-American women were elected to the episcopacy of the
United Methodist Church during the recent jurisdictional conferences. Only
one African-American woman had previously been elected to this office -- 16
years ago! Ho hum!

In the Northeastern Jurisdiction, where only one bishop was to be elected,
an African-American woman was elected. Ho hum! 

In the North Central Jurisdiction, where all ethnic minorities make up less
than 5 percent of the membership, two of the three newly elected bishops are
African American. Ho hum!

In the Western Jurisdiction, where two bishops were elected, the two so
chosen are African American. Ho hum!

Of the 13 new bishops elected in the five jurisdictional conferences, seven
are African American. Ho hum!

Ho hum! suggests a casual acknowledgment of events. No big deal, some say.

In a denomination that has had racial inclusiveness as one of its guiding
principles since its formation in 1968, such an historical precedent
deserves more than a casual observation, a passing glance or too-quick
reporting. 

Perhaps ours is an age quick to criticize or complain, but slow to praise or
celebrate. I have often recounted to Indiana Area leaders my observation
that people seem more energized by bad news than good. A pity. And sometimes
frustrating. 

Perhaps some hope no one will notice. Maybe some are simply unhappy with the
result. Some, no doubt, are in shock. I trust there are those who will be
encouraged.

I know, with a degree of certainty, that no one predicted it, planned it or
even dreamed it. And some probably still can't believe it!

Such a history-making occurrence does not mean racism has finally been
eliminated in the United Methodist Church. It has not, and the seven new
bishops will discover that in surprising and personal ways. Sadly.

What the elections of these new bishops means, in part, is that some of the
dire predictions of years past -- that minority people would not achieve
significant leadership positions in the church, especially in episcopal
elections -- have been dramatically proven untrue.

The United Methodist Church may not yet be what it ought to be or will be,
but it certainly is not what it used to be!

The truth is that the "majority" of the membership elected the "minority"
within its membership to a place of significant leadership in the
denomination.

I attended the final Central (all black) Jurisdictional Conference in 1967.
The last bishop of the Central Jurisdiction was elected by that conference.
I remember well the fear and the prediction of the church witnessing the
election of the last "Negro" bishop for a long time to come. Opinion was
that in newly merged, racially inclusive annual conferences and
jurisdictions, no "Negro elder" could expect to be elected to the church's
highest office.

At the time, there were five bishops in the Central Jurisdiction. Two
others, previously elected by the Central Jurisdiction, had been assigned to
two of the regional jurisdictions. 

Today, 15 active (not retired) African-American bishops are serving in the
United Methodist Church. All were elected by a regional, not a racial
jurisdiction!

One simply should not minimize positive movement toward a racially inclusive
church, a change in attitude and behavior. To work for change, pray for
change, advocate for change, sacrifice for change, and then ignore change is
hypocritical or at least a sign of ingratitude.

There should be some pause for thanksgiving. God is not absent from the
processes, even if the process does not include God.

The recent elections were not all inclusive, however. The denomination has
yet to elect a Native American to the episcopacy, and no Asian or Hispanic
American was among those chosen in the 2000 elections. I am yet hopeful. 

The church, through a sensitive, caring and inclusive-minded electorate,
will continue to demonstrate its belief that God has given people of all
colors, racial and ethnic backgrounds gifts for leadership - including the
episcopacy.

In the beauty of this fall day in Central Indiana, one servant pauses and
remembers how it was and gives thanks to God for yet another step toward a
more inclusive church in a more inclusive community.

The 2000 episcopal elections. Ho hum? Not here! Thanksgiving!

# # #

*White leads the United Methodist Church's Indiana Area.

Commentaries provided by United Methodist News Service do not necessarily
represent the opinions or policies of UMNS or the United Methodist Church.

*************************************
United Methodist News Service
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