Race and the United Church of Christ

I have been a moderate in a liberal church for about 15 years now.  This has been a journey of understanding and appreciating the views of others.  During my faith journey, I have learned a lot about liberal theology.  There are some good ideas about being more open minded and respecting others.  However, I am worried that my denomination is going down the wrong path. 

This being said, we have a fine mess today in trying to address Rev. Wright, race, and Black Liberation Theology.  My denomination, the United Church of Christ (UCC), wants to pounds us with the race issue again on May 18.  As if we have not been embarrassed enough by Rev. Wright's wacky preaching and wild comments on TV. 

Now, our denominational leaders have decided that we need some good old fashioned guilt preaching about race.  You see, many people in the pews at UCC do not like Rev. Wight's racist message.  So, our leaders have decided that we need some preaching about how it is ok for Rev. Wright to be a racist.  Theologically, this thought process defies logic.

On Sunday, May 18, many pastors across the UCC will be preaching on race in hopes of beginning a sacred conversation, a dialog that is needed in our pews, our homes and the hallways of power across our country. After May 18, congregations are encouraged to develop a months long process in order to set aside the necessary time and attention needed to structure a sacred conversation about race