What Can the Church do to Promote Anti-racism in America?

[Meadowchik]

Hopefully we can all agree that this is a moral issue significant enough for the Church of Jesus Christ to take a public interest. Indeed, the church invested time and other resources in opposing gay marriage legislation and the ERA in the past, among other causes. This could be a good time for it to use its insights and grassroots momentum to support anti-racist initiatives nation-wide. 

There is a Medium article going around with 75 suggestions of actions we can take as individuals, many from the comfort of our own homes. Many involve contacting our local representatives to ensure proper police training, others involve things like purchasing books and supplies for teachers to provide representation of diversity in their class materials. There are many, many examples in this and I don't offer it as an intended template but as an example of concrete ways the church can contribute.

I'm sure that there is a great deal of potential here for service projects, youth activities, and educational lessons for members and friends of the church, not to mention all kinds of general community outreach.

I have a Black sister-in-law who just a few years ago moved to the States to marry my brother, after which she developed an interest in the church and has begun attending. I've watched as she's gradually shared her concerns about the systemic racism in her new country, and the very real future dangers it poses to their young son, because of the color of his skin. The church has an enormous capacity to support people, and what a testimony it would be of its core values to be advocating for anti-racism, and in lifting up the hands that hang down.

Your thoughts? What might the church do collectively and at individual ward levels? If you are looking for ideas, are there any suggestions in the Medium article that you could agree with adopting through church initiatives?

Edited June 1, 2020 by Meadowchik

[Kevin Christensen]

Preach and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Quote

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are ^adesirous to come into the ^bfold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

9 Yea, and are ^awilling to mourn with those that ^bmourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as ^cwitnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the ^dfirst resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being ^abaptized in the ^bname of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a ^ccovenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

Quote

26 And when the priests left their ^alabor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man ^baccording to his strength.

27 And they did ^aimpart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the ^bpoor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly ^capparel, yet they were neat and comely.

28 And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.

29 And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be exceedingly ^arich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need—an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and abundance of ^bsilk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely ^ccloth.

30 And thus, in their ^aprosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were ^bnaked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon ^criches; therefore they were ^dliberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no ^erespect to persons as to those who stood in need.

FWIW,

Kevin Christensen

Canonsburg, PA

[Meadowchik]

7 minutes ago, Kevin Christensen said:

Preach and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

FWIW,

Kevin Christensen

Canonsburg, PA

I think that would go without saying. Do you not think that more specifically-targeted activism like the historical examples is appropriate?

[CV75]

17 minutes ago, Meadowchik said:

Hopefully we can all agree that this is a moral issue significant enough for the Church of Jesus Christ to take a public interest. Indeed, the church invested time and other resources in opposing gay marriage legislation and the ERA in the past, among other causes. This could be a good time for it to use its insights and grassroots momentum to support anti-racist initiatives nation-wide. 

There is a Medium article going around with 75 suggestions of actions we can take as individuals, many from the comfort of our own homes. Many involve contacting our local representatives to ensure proper police training, others involve things like purchasing books and supplies for teachers to provide representation of diversity in their class materials. There are many, many examples in this and I don't offer it as an intended template but as an example of concrete ways the church can contribute.

I'm sure that there is a great deal of potential here for service projects, youth activities, and educational lessons for members and friends of the church, not to mention all kinds of general community outreach.

I have a Black sister-in-law who just a few years ago moved to the States to marry my brother, after which she developed an interest in the church and has begun attending. I've watched as she's gradually shared her concerns about the systemic racism in her new country, and the very real future dangers it poses to their young son, because of the color of his skin. The church has an enormous capacity to support people, and what a testimony it would be of its core values to be advocating for anti-racism, and in lifting up the hands that hang down.

Your thoughts? What might the church do collectively and at individual ward levels? If you are looking for ideas, are there any suggestions in the Medium article that you could agree with adopting through church initiatives?

When I was in grade school during the years the 1964 Civil Rights Act was passed in the USA, we were taught at length about "Brotherhood" and how we are to regard others as ourselves no matter their nationality or color. By the time I was in 6th grade (1968-69), the themes of "Equality" and "Justice" were in emphasized, and in the years since, more fine-tuned into the themes of racial equality, gender equality, etc. Less focus on regarding others on a personal level and more focus on taking political action, from civic involvement to activism.

The Book of Mormon places brotherhood first, and the themes of economic equity and social justice (albeit in a spiritual rather than political tone) follow as outgrowths of that. The Pearl of Great Price and D&C describe Zion in these ways. The Church promulgates these principles through the Gospel, and when people become truly converted they treat their fellow children of God accordingly.

We have black members in Church leadership positions, and they and their families are pained by the recent current events in the USA which highlight the failings of political solutions. Last week's "Come Follow Me" invited members to ponder how to become a positive influence in our communities, recognize false doctrine, not set our hearts upon riches, and change our hearts through the word of God and pure testimony. The racial inequality in the USA is said to have its roots in economics (poor whites envying the economic gains of successful blacks; middle class  and wealthy whites asserting their advantages in a perceived win-lose competition -- yes I'm oversimplifying for brevity). The Church might say that charity runs deeper than economics.

The Church has many publications, talks, programs, etc. on the practical applications to the basic message of Christ, overcoming racism being only one subject of application. The crucial underpinning of them all is a conversion to Christ. The Church is in the world, not of the world, working within the constraints of the people, communities, societies and governments where she is established. We saw this in her communications and approach during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanking governments and abiding the laws while seeking divine guidance in their application. I think she would take a similar approach to this issue, and is actually doing so on a global level which seems to be largely unrecognized.

As far as her doing this in the USA itself, as anywhere: "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good..." The Gospel approach is to perfect our regard for others and our reaction to hardship, and when a threshold number of people effectively do that, Zion will come.

[Meadowchik]

1 minute ago, CV75 said:

When I was in grade school during the years the 1964 Civil Rights Act was passed in the USA, we were taught at length about "Brotherhood" and how we are to regard others as ourselves no matter their nationality or color. By the time I was in 6th grade (1968-69), the themes of "Equality" and "Justice" were in emphasized, and in the years since, more fine-tuned into the themes of racial equality, gender equality, etc. Less focus on regarding others on a personal level and more focus on taking political action, from civic involvement to activism.

Are you talking about school lessons, not in church?

2 minutes ago, CV75 said:

The Book of Mormon places brotherhood first, and the themes of economic equity and social justice (albeit in a spiritual rather than political tone) follow as outgrowths of that. The Pearl of Great Price and D&C describe Zion in these ways. The Church promulgates these principles through the Gospel, and when people become truly converted they treat their fellow children of God accordingly.

We have black members in Church leadership positions, and they and their families are pained by the recent current events in the USA which highlight the failings of political solutions. Last week's "Come Follow Me" invited members to ponder how to become a positive influence in our communities, recognize false doctrine, not set our hearts upon riches, and change our hearts through the word of God and pure testimony. The racial inequality in the USA is said to have its roots in economics (poor whites envying the economic gains of successful blacks; middle class  and wealthy whites asserting their advantages in a perceived win-lose competition -- yes I'm oversimplifying for brevity). The Church might say that charity runs deeper than economics.

The Church has many publications, talks, programs, etc. on the practical applications to the basic message of Christ, overcoming racism being only one subject of application. The crucial underpinning of them all is a conversion to Christ. The Church is in the world, not of the world, working within the constraints of the people, communities, societies and governments where she is established. We saw this in her communications and approach during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanking governments and abiding the laws while seeking divine guidance in their application. I think she would take a similar approach to this issue, and is actually doing so on a global level which seems to be largely unrecognized.

As far as her doing this in the USA itself, as anywhere: "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good..." The Gospel approach is to perfect our regard for others and our reaction to hardship, and when a threshold number of people effectively do that, Zion will come.

Like I said to Kevin, I think these things are more obvious, something that would be expected at all times regardless of current issues. But there have been times when merely spreading the gospel was not considered adequate. I gave the examples of opposing gay marriage and the ERA as some of the prominent agendas of recent memory.

[The Nehor]

Pulling down a few more monuments to the Confederacy would be nice.

[CV75]

10 minutes ago, Meadowchik said:

Are you talking about school lessons, not in church?

Like I said to Kevin, I think these things are more obvious, something that would be expected at all times regardless of current issues. But there have been times when merely spreading the gospel was not considered adequate. I gave the examples of opposing gay marriage and the ERA as some of the prominent agendas of recent memory.

Yes, I was taught in public school (New York City) long before I became a member of the Church as a college student.

I believe that if the Gospel were received on a personal level, and even the light of Christ without the fulness the Church offers, a community/nation would have the brotherhood sufficient to change how its economic, legislative/executive/judicial (government), and political systems operate. I think the Church would be very effective (quantity as well as quality) in spreading the Gospel in such an environment. She would also be one of many essential voices that are respectfully heard in the public square.

ETA: I think that generally, the steps you mentioned that people can take are entirely appropriate when brotherhood comes first.

Edited June 1, 2020 by CV75

[Meadowchik]

14 minutes ago, The Nehor said:

Pulling down a few more monuments to the Confederacy would be nice.

Sounds good. But frankly, there's more than literal monuments, correct? The artifacts are pervasive. 

I shared some actionable examples in my OP,  and also hearing Black members plead for action is a step. Here's a public Facebook post by Latter-day Saint, Randol Jimenez:

Quote

 

To the Church of Jesus Christ of of Latter Day Saints:

As a Black Hispanic member I have grown, learned and observed the gospel. I have served and stayed true to my convictions in my Lord Jesus Christ. As I have, your silence on issues that involve black and brown people have echoed deep within my soul. The soundless vacuum of non action and resistance have made my arm a little heavier each time I have to raise it in sustaining of you.

I don’t expect perfection, I expect repentance through the power of the Atonement. I expect leaders to learn to represent their constituents struggles by observing their environment and listening to create actionable items to address them.

I have been blessed to have seen black members in the church voice their concerns, only to be met with resistance and inaction by our Leaders. I have seen time after time people present these issues and be disregarded. I have seen the power and influence of the church being used to change the minds and heart of it members and the communities, but when it come to black and minority issues YOUR SILENCE IS DEAFENING. YOUR ACTIONS- nonexistent.

I have heard the rebuff “why don’t you bring the solutions to us” I have been blessed again to have seen this done to no meaningful results. I also state “Why the hell should all the solutions come from the group being hurt?”

I have seen you portray the diversity of the church as a strength and a value. But then turn around and be silent to issues within these group that matter so much to the Church.

I can’t allow you to continue to be my silent leader. I am a Leader and have been for a long time and as a leader I cannot allow those that profess to be my leaders to continue to be silent. The only solution I have for the Church is that you must CHANGE. You tell us members to follow the example of Jesus Christ and you say to “mourn with those that mourn” but when it has come to the pains of minorities in this country all I’ve heard is “crickets” from you.

Your time for silence has passed with me.

P.S - I ain’t the one...

 

 

Edited June 1, 2020 by Meadowchik

[bluebell]

18 minutes ago, The Nehor said:

Pulling down a few more monuments to the Confederacy would be nice.

Does the church have the power to do that?

[The Nehor]

1 minute ago, bluebell said:

Does the church have the power to do that?

Make it a ward project.  

[Meadowchik]

4 minutes ago, bluebell said:

Does the church have the power to do that?

Probably depends on the monument. It could definitely have influence, I'd think.

[bluebell]

24 minutes ago, Meadowchik said:

Probably depends on the monument. It could definitely have influence, I'd think.

It could have influence in Utah for sure, probably no where else. 

It looks like the lone confederate-related statue in Utah, at Dixie State in St. George, was removed in 2012.  It was commissioned by a Utah artist who only made it confederate-centered so it would connect with the college, who's sports teams were the Rebels at that time.  This is unlike most of the confederate monuments around the country, which were almost all put up on government land by confederate sympathizers or groups, even in states that didn't exist during the Civil War. 

It doesn't look like the church had anything to do with the statue's removal at Dixie.

[Robert F. Smith]

1 hour ago, Meadowchik said:

Hopefully we can all agree that this is a moral issue significant enough for the Church of Jesus Christ to take a public interest. Indeed, the church invested time and other resources in opposing gay marriage legislation and the ERA in the past, among other causes. This could be a good time for it to use its insights and grassroots momentum to support anti-racist initiatives nation-wide. 

The LDS Church made it a formal policy to defeat the ERA, mobilizing priesthood and relief society in key states to block it, and that effort was very successful.  I was a personal witness to that effectiveness, and so I think that the LDS Church could indeed mobilize against racism.  Will it do so?  No.  Why?  It would not be effective.  The problem is too diffuse throughout America, and other countries.  We already have national laws of equality.  Just not the will to enforce them, a responsibility which falls upon each individual police officer, on his supervisors, and on prosecutors, judges, mayors, governors, et al.  The battles against legal racism were fought and won generations ago by Dr King and his followers.  We got important legislation passed into law on civil rights, education, voting, etc.

What we need now are citizen review boards over each police dept in the country -- boards with real power.  Sometimes, however, things are better handled in-house.  I knew, for example, a fine LAPD Sgt who had a drinking problem.  He got drunk one night off duty in the Ports O'Call area of San Pedro.  Pulled out his pistol and fired a round.  Luckily, fellow LAPD officers were able to disarm him and take him into custody.  Nobody got injured.  He could have been fired.  Instead, the judge and the Dept insisted on diversion into therapy and Al Anon.  Saved a good man's career.  Cost a lot less than hiring a new guy and having to train him all those years.  A little redemption can go a long way.

We also need citizens who will attend every court session in local courthouses to see that no nonsense is taking place -- judges losing touch with reality -- because local judges must stand for acceptance or rejection in some states (such as Utah).  In Provo-Orem, we have a group of citizens who (before the pandemic) attended court sessions and held meetings and scanned court records to monitor the goings-on in our justice system.  Got to keep tabs on it.  We have a whole range of justice issues to contend with, not simply racism.  Judges and elected prosecutors need to know that they are being watched.

1 hour ago, Meadowchik said:

..........................................

I'm sure that there is a great deal of potential here for service projects, youth activities, and educational lessons for members and friends of the church, not to mention all kinds of general community outreach.

With the end of Scouting, youth are now expected to come up with their own projects and activities, so this is an opportunity to do some of those things.  Maybe some suggestions are in order.

1 hour ago, Meadowchik said:

I have a Black sister-in-law who just a few years ago moved to the States to marry my brother, after which she developed an interest in the church and has begun attending. I've watched as she's gradually shared her concerns about the systemic racism in her new country, and the very real future dangers it poses to their young son, because of the color of his skin. The church has an enormous capacity to support people, and what a testimony it would be of its core values to be advocating for anti-racism, and in lifting up the hands that hang down.

Your thoughts? What might the church do collectively and at individual ward levels? If you are looking for ideas, are there any suggestions in the Medium article that you could agree with adopting through church initiatives?

I have a black step-son who is in high school now.  He is a star athlete in soccer, always has a smile, gets good grades, and is admired by his classmates.  Does he face future dangers depending on where he is and under which circumstances?  Yes.

The LDS Church is now growing fastest in Africa, among black people.  Many young black men have been serving missions in neighboring African countries.  A couple from my ward has spent 6 years on missions in Africa.  Things are moving faster than most members elsewhere realize.   The multi-ethnic and multi-racial face of the Church worldwide is rapidly changing and the impact is unstoppable.

[Ahab]

i think we should treat everyone equally rather than pay special attention to particular people. 

The key to anti-racist behavior is to ignore classifications of race and just treat everyone as we do anyone else in whatever circumstances they are in.  

All of us are in the same race.

[The Nehor]

5 minutes ago, Ahab said:

i think we should treat everyone equally rather than pay special attention to particular people. 

The key to anti-racist behavior is to ignore classifications of race and just treat everyone as we do anyone else in whatever circumstances they are in.  

All of us are in the same race.

Ignore the problem and it will go away?

[The Nehor]

On a personal note I am, as I have said elsewhere, a disaster voyeur. I have been watching riot footage and news. I am watching and even done some curating of protest streams. I have been involved in doxxing people who are throwing out Nazi salutes, identifying with the KKK, and using vile slurs. I am not sure if that is what you mean by activism though.

[Ahab]

21 minutes ago, The Nehor said:

Ignore the problem and it will go away?

Essentially, yes.  Ignore classifications of "race" and instead treat everyone as if everyone is in the same race.

The solution is so simple I am surprised by the fact that so many people still haven't figured out what they should do about it.

[The Nehor]

5 minutes ago, Ahab said:

Essentially, yes.  Ignore classifications of "race" and instead treat everyone as if everyone is in the same race.

The solution is so simple I am surprised by the fact that so many people still haven't figured out what they should do about it.

[Ahab]

17 minutes ago, The Nehor said:

That's true, actually.  Well done.

[Calm]

31 minutes ago, Ahab said:

Essentially, yes.  Ignore classifications of "race" and instead treat everyone as if everyone is in the same race.

The solution is so simple I am surprised by the fact that so many people still haven't figured out what they should do about it.

A problem with your solution is you need everyone to go along with it for it to work, just a small proportion of the community doing it still allows for racism from the majority and is unlikely to be very persuasive in changing others' behavior since it is passive towards such behavior.

Your solution is too early, it is the answer to the problem "what do we do after we 'cure' racism?"

Edited June 1, 2020 by Calm

[Ahab]

4 minutes ago, Calm said:

A problem with your solution is you need everyone to go along with it for it to work, just a small proportion of the community doing it still allows for racism from the majority and is unlikely to be very persuasive in changing others' behavior since it is passive towards such behavior.

Your solution is too early, it is the answer to the problem "what do we do after we 'cure' racism?"

The cure works for everyone who accepts it while those who reject it will still be bigots.  There is no way to force the cure on everyone and I suspect there will always be some people who choose to remain bigots.

[smac97]

2 hours ago, Meadowchik said:

Hopefully we can all agree that this is a moral issue significant enough for the Church of Jesus Christ to take a public interest. Indeed, the church invested time and other resources in opposing gay marriage legislation and the ERA in the past, among other causes. This could be a good time for it to use its insights and grassroots momentum to support anti-racist initiatives nation-wide. 

Well, we have the "Race and the Priesthood" essay about the Priesthood Ban, which states as follows:

Quote

Today, the Church disavows the theories advanced in the past that black skin is a sign of divine disfavor or curse, or that it reflects unrighteous actions in a premortal life; that mixed-race marriages are a sin; or that blacks or people of any other race or ethnicity are inferior in any way to anyone else. Church leaders today unequivocally condemn all racism, past and present, in any form.24
...
24. Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Need for Greater Kindness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 58–61.

Here are some excerpts from Pres. Hinckley's talk hyperlinked above (emphases added):

Quote

I have wondered why there is so much hatred in the world. We are involved in terrible wars with lives lost and many crippling wounds. Coming closer to home, there is so much of jealousy, pride, arrogance, and carping criticism; fathers who rise in anger over small, inconsequential things and make wives weep and children fear.

Racial strife still lifts its ugly head. I am advised that even right here among us there is some of this. I cannot understand how it can be. It seemed to me that we all rejoiced in the 1978 revelation given President Kimball. I was there in the temple at the time that that happened. There was no doubt in my mind or in the minds of my associates that what was revealed was the mind and the will of the Lord.

Now I am told that racial slurs and denigrating remarks are sometimes heard among us. I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ. How can any man holding the Melchizedek Priesthood arrogantly assume that he is eligible for the priesthood whereas another who lives a righteous life but whose skin is of a different color is ineligible?

Throughout my service as a member of the First Presidency, I have recognized and spoken a number of times on the diversity we see in our society. It is all about us, and we must make an effort to accommodate that diversity.

Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children.

Brethren, there is no basis for racial hatred among the priesthood of this Church. If any within the sound of my voice is inclined to indulge in this, then let him go before the Lord and ask for forgiveness and be no more involved in such.

We also have condemnations of racism on the Church's website here (1995), here (2013), here (2015), here (2016), here (2016) and here:

We also have this "Official Statement from 2012: Race and the Church: All Are Alike Unto God.  Some excerpts:

Quote

The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. The Book of Mormon states, “black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33). This is the Church’s official teaching.

People of all races have always been welcomed and baptized into the Church since its beginning. In fact, by the end of his life in 1844 Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opposed slavery. During this time some black males were ordained to the priesthood. At some point the Church stopped ordaining male members of African descent, although there were a few exceptions. It is not known precisely why, how or when this restriction began in the Church, but it has ended. Church leaders sought divine guidance regarding the issue and more than three decades ago extended the priesthood to all worthy male members. The Church immediately began ordaining members to priesthood offices wherever they attended throughout the world. 

The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church. In 2006, then Church president Gordon B. Hinckley declared that “no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church. Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children.

We also have this entry on the Church's blog in April 2018 (written by Darius Gray): Healing the Wounds of Racism

We also have the Church's 2019 coordinating efforts with the NAACP.

We also have a September 2000 Ensign article, "'No More Strangers'" by Elder Morrison of the Seventy, with a subtitle "Racism is an offense against God and a tool in the devil’s hands."  The entire article condemns racism in unequivocal terms. 

The Church is sending tons of missionaries to Africa (including, until last year, my parents, who served in Zimbabwe).

2 hours ago, Meadowchik said:

There is a Medium article going around with 75 suggestions of actions we can take as individuals, many from the comfort of our own homes. Many involve contacting our local representatives to ensure proper police training, others involve things like purchasing books and supplies for teachers to provide representation of diversity in their class materials. There are many, many examples in this and I don't offer it as an intended template but as an example of concrete ways the church can contribute.

Some of these suggestions are very helpful.  Some less so.

2 hours ago, Meadowchik said:

I'm sure that there is a great deal of potential here for service projects, youth activities, and educational lessons for members and friends of the church, not to mention all kinds of general community outreach.

Some, yes.

2 hours ago, Meadowchik said:

I have a Black sister-in-law who just a few years ago moved to the States to marry my brother, after which she developed an interest in the church and has begun attending. I've watched as she's gradually shared her concerns about the systemic racism in her new country, and the very real future dangers it poses to their young son, because of the color of his skin. The church has an enormous capacity to support people, and what a testimony it would be of its core values to be advocating for anti-racism, and in lifting up the hands that hang down.

Your thoughts? What might the church do collectively and at individual ward levels? If you are looking for ideas, are there any suggestions in the Medium article that you could agree with adopting through church initiatives?

Some years back, in the aftermath of September 11, my ward's bishop organized a dinner to which members of a mosque in Salt Lake were invited.  Substantial effort was taken to ensure the meal was prepared in accordance with Islamic requirements (no pork products, no jello, etc.).  This was an ecumenical/interdenominational effort, not a specifically race-based one.  I think similar activities involving local wards and lean-more-toward-African-American-membership congregations would be helpful.

At the individual/family level, just inviting neighbors over can go a long way.

Thanks,

-Smac

[let’s roll]

46 minutes ago, Ahab said:

Essentially, yes.  Ignore classifications of "race" and instead treat everyone as if everyone is in the same race.

The solution is so simple I am surprised by the fact that so many people still haven't figured out what they should do about it.

This doesn’t resonate with me.

In living the Second Commandment, I see more value in recognizing race, gender, and culture and embracing it, not “treat[ing] everyone as if everyone is in the same race, [gender and culture].”

[mgy401]

43 minutes ago, Calm said:

A problem with your solution is you need everyone to go along with it for it to work, just a small proportion of the community doing it still allows for racism from the majority and is unlikely to be very persuasive in changing others' behavior since it is passive towards such behavior.

Your solution is too early, it is the answer to the problem "what do we do after we 'cure' racism?"

What action or policy *wouldn’t* suffer from that weakness?

It sounds like some folks want the Church to develop and promote a way to simply “make everyone be good”.

Quote

I have heard the rebuff “why don’t you bring the solutions to us” I have been blessed again to have seen this done to no meaningful results. I also state “Why the hell should all the solutions come from the group being hurt?”

Because non-minorities are repeatedly admonished that they do not—can not—fully understand what minorities are going through in this country.

Imagine this conversation between a married couple:

1:  ”Honey, you’re kind of a jerk, and you need to quit being hurtful to me.”

2:  ”Gosh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry.  I knew I was doing A, B, and C; and I’ve stopped doing those things.  I really had no idea I was still doing other things that hurt you.  What other things would you like me to do differently?”

1:  ”Well, if you don’t know, I’m not going to tel you; and the fact that you even asked that question just goes to show how oppressive you truly are.”

Any impartial observer is going to conclude that Party 1 is either a) not altogether rational; or b) engaging in a naked power play against Party 2.  Either way, the long-term prospects for such a marriage are looking pretty dismal unless there is an introspective process whereby Party 1 and Party 2 are both sincerely willing to change their own behaviors and thought processes.

Edited June 1, 2020 by mgy401

[Ahab]

18 minutes ago, let’s roll said:

This doesn’t resonate with me.

In living the Second Commandment, I see more value in recognizing race, gender, and culture and embracing it, not “treat[ing] everyone as if everyone is in the same race, [gender and culture].”

We all have our differences, none of us are exactly alike. Some of us red hair.  Some of us have purple hair. 

I'm just talking about not classifying our one race into many races while thinking some race is superior to another or inferior to another.  There is good and evil, though, but anyone can be either.