Let Us Challenge Racism and Bias with Love that Drives out Hatred by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Venice, hundreds o people attended a program in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King and to challenge racism in our society- Racism, Yours, Mine and Ours. 

Joan, Mary Theresa and I attended the program to end racism tonight at Emmanuel Lutheran Church

The continuation of incidents of racism in the United States is a deep wound on our nation's spirit that is toxic and must be changed. We cannot sit idly by without challenging structures of injustice and attitudes of hate that are tearing us apart.  

Dr. Martin Luther King wrote about the most effective path to healing: "Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." (Strength to Love, p. 51)

The love he  described was unconditional love that Jesus preached and demonstrated in the Gospel, the kind of love that challenges injustice and empowers us to love our enemies. 

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day in 2019, let us reflect on 10 practical ways we can end our silence about racism and transform the hate that destroys community and hurts everyone. (originally published by YWCA Greater Cleveland )

https://www.niot.org/blog/ywca-10-steps-toward-bridging-our-painful-racial-divide?gclid=Cj0KCQiAg_HhBRDNARIsAGHLV50fhQ6_jNkzvi3sm-cQS1WS2G1uGyMiXvd1SUw3knb5ZQccr7ZcILoaAmKnEALw_wcB

Here are 10 practical steps we can each take to step out of the shadows of silence: 

1. Learn about other people and their culture but go beyond foods and festivals.
2. Explore the unfamiliar. Put yourself in situations where you are in the visible minority.
3. Be a proactive parent. Talk to your children candidly about race.
4. Don't tell or laugh at stereotypical jokes.
5. Think before you speak. Words can hurt whether you mean them to or not.
6. Be a role model and help educate others regarding your own experiences.
7. Don't make assumptions because they are usually wrong and stereotypes are destructive.
8. Consider how race and racism impact your life and those around you.
9. Don't let others get away with biased language or behavior- speak up and out.
10. Take a position against hate and take a Stand Against Racism 

In Florida, the Venice Interfaith Community Association is sponsoring a  Winter Series on American Racism, Yours, Mine and Ours. 

- Mondays at 7:00PM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 790 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, Florida.

Let us follow Dr. Martin Luther King's prophetic example, speak truth to power and live in the fullness of love that transforms hatred and prejudice by changing unjust laws, practices and structures. 

Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP, 

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community

https://marymotherofjesus.org