I M A G O D E I
Special Eight-Week Series:
Where Do We Go From Here?
by, Darryl Answer, Co-Pastor of New Community Church
In 1967 Dr. Martin Luther King asked a question in the title of his book “Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community?” Though that book was written 53 years ago, this question is hauntingly relevant in our current moment of heightened racial tensions, not only in America, but in other nations where White Supremacy continues to be the framework that people of color must navigate and even survive. As I have pondered Dr. King's question, read the words of the Biblical and modern-day prophets, cried with my black and brown sisters and brothers, I humbly submit my answers to the question, “Where do we go from here?”
Repent (of white supremacy):
The Greek word for repent is Metanoia. This is not only a turning from old behaviors that are out of alignment with God (sin), but it is a change of mind, a paradigm shift. It is an invitation to see with new eyes, and in doing so move forward with renewed vision and purpose. When it comes to conversations about race, for some there is a visceral reaction to the words “white supremacy.” It conjures up for many images of burning crosses, men in white hoods, and the lynching of black bodies.
These overt displays of racism feel far removed from our current realities in 21st century America, but if we look at white supremacy with eyes of repentance, we will recognize how this social construction has shaped our current reality inside and outside the church. With new eyes, we will see how white supremacy not only dictates our racially segregated neighborhoods and schools, but also our racially segregated pews and pulpits. With new eyes, we will seek righteousness and do justice in ways that center those on the margins and does away with white saviorism. With new eyes, we will see all people as image-bearers of God, and no longer live into our racial hierarchies.
When we become a people who are on a journey of repentance, we will see better, we will know better, and we will do better.
Listen (to women of color):
In light of our current moment, there has been a desire to learn more about how race and white supremacy have led us to this moment. There has been a surge in racial bias trainings, book clubs, and webinars, all with the desire for knowledge that for the first time will result in racial healing. I am grateful for this. In this moment I have witnessed my wife go deeper into her studies as a white woman desiring to engage other white folks who are resistant to the work of uprooting white supremacy. In the midst of this mad dash to learn, I have noticed that the elevated voices, those who are often quoted and asked to speak, those whose books are sold out or on back order, are white. The sad reality is that in the midst of our racial endemic, white people who desire to learn are more likely to listen to other white people. This too is a form of white supremacy. There are many reasons for this, but what I want to encourage white people to do is listen to People of Color. Especially Women of Color. Our African American, Latina, Asian American, and Native sisters continue to be overlooked in the fight for justice while they are the very ones putting their bodies on the line day in day out for freedom. There are incredible female thinkers, pastors, and leaders who you need to follow on social media, read, and watch. A few of those names are Michelle Higgins, Chanequa Walker-Barnes, Andrea Smith, Angie Hong, Kathy Khang, Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, and Bethany Rivera Molinar.
If you are serious about your church or ministry engaging in the work of racial righteousness and justice, I strongly encourage you to listen to those closest to the struggle, those being our sisters of color.
Move (beyond neutrality to “anti-racist”):
Our current moment demands the church do better. We must move beyond racial neutrality to anti-racism. As a black man in America, I can honestly say that churches who maintain the posture of neutrality end up being oppressive spaces where people of color feel tokenized but not heard. We are invited to the (white) table but are unable to bring our full selves. Our bodies are welcome, not our voice, power, leadership, culture, etc. We are traumatized by your white silence. Do you see us?
One way we can be anti-racist, especially in this moment is to be in solidarity with those who have experienced and are in opposition to police brutality. Too many times, in moments when people are rising up, seeking justice, and working towards true peace for all, the church creates parallel movements. These movements can be prayer gatherings, marches, and rallies that don’t include the marginalized, but take place in partnership with those in power. This may be unintentional, but in this pursuit of “peace” what we are really doing is undermining the true work for justice, part of which is exposing and disrupting evil to create a better future. The church must be careful not to resist the resistance taking place in our streets. We should be the prophetic witness that calls out “Empire” and invites people into the alternative community known as the Kingdom of God. To be about kingdom work is to be anti-racist. What will this look like for you personally, in your family, your workplace, where you study, or your ministry?
So, where do we go from here? How do we move toward God’s vision for our churches in light of our racialized society? We must begin with repentance, uprooting white supremacy in our churches. We must listen to and value people of color who are experts in this field, especially Black women. We must become anti-racist in all areas of our lives and ministries because neutrality is killing our witness. White supremacy has blinded the eyes of many in the white church and has broken the bodies of many people of color. The reality is we all suffer from this racial endemic, but I remain hopeful because my Lord left the throne of heaven to become poor, marginalized, and afflicted under the Roman regime. He was beaten. He was executed on a cross like a criminal. But, on the third day, he rose in victory. Like the old hymn says, “Because he lives, I can face tomorrow,” and with that hope in my heart I press on to be part of the community He gave his life for.
About the Author
Darryl Answer was born and raised in London, England. He is currently co-pastor of New Community Church, a recent church plant in Kansas City, MO. Darryl has served in a variety of leadership roles within churches, non-profit organizations, and in community development. Darryl also provides consulting and training for organizations and churches in the areas of Racial Justice and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). Darryl and his wife, Stephanie, live in the Kansas City with their two children, Jaidyn and Kian.
This is the final Adelante Express dedicated to exploring themes related to the concept of the Imago Dei and racial justice. We hope this series has caused you to think about and explore what it means to love our neighbor and see the image of God in them.