Race and Reconciliation, Charleston, S.C.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead(gratefulness.org.)

Ron Alexander

 

Race and Reconciliation, Charleston, S. C.

The Holy City is an ideal place to do this, Rivers said, citing its long history of paternalism and politeness.

“This is the church’s moment,” he said. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Charleston became the capital of reconciliation

and not cheap grace?”

 

The conversation will not be easy. It will involve tough subjects like income disparity, health care, voter registration and, more controversially, reparations.

But if things go well, the best ideas will rise to the top as others fall to the wayside.

Mr. Richardson tells us his goal is to come away from the conference with concrete plans for how churches can put their conclusions into action.

One model that is likely to be considered is the successful Charleston Area Justice Ministry, led by the Rev. Nelson Rivers and involving people of different faiths and races who are interested in achieving social justice. Mr. Rivers will participate in the conference.

Mr. Richardson said the conversations could well uncover church doctrine or practices that inadvertently inflame racism, even though Christianity is clear that every person was created in the image of God.