Star-Telegram.com: Baptist Group Back Pastor
A few observations about the story:
First, this is an independent move by the Tarrant Association in support of one of their local pastors. These folks know Dwight and have for a long time. Dwight McKissic, Van McClain and all involved are staying away from the news media, right now. They have committed to speak together privately, and no one seems interested in putting that in jeopardy. Good. Not just good, but GREAT. This should have been handled in similar fashion a long time ago, by all parties.
Second, there is another group of about 25 churches that made a similar move last week. There is growing vocal, local support of Dwight by those who know him. This should inform all of us who do not know him other than by the quotes and media stories (blogs included) that are defining him for the public.
Third, there is another unfortunate quote about Dwight being “lynched” coming from another pastor. I am sorry to see that. Let me say, clearly and without any qualification, I don’t think any of what has happened is motivated by race, nor has the treatment been more harsh toward Dwight, as a black man, than any white man would receive in the exact same situation. Moreover, I have told him exactly that in a conversation after his similar quote came out. In that conversation, I encouraged him to stay away from imagery that had any racial overtones.
Now, let me be clear. I know that for a black person in America, life has racial overtones. I don’t know it through personal experience, as I am not black, but I see it through the perspective of my brothers and sisters who have shared their life stories with me. I understand how those overtones influence people’s perspectives on every situation, so I can understand that, if you are an African American, you see things differently than I do. My belief about the situation at SWBTS is that there is no negative motivation based in race coming from any of the players who are now at odds with Dwight.
In other words, I think that they are in conflict with Dwight over their perception of his actions.
Discussions like the one announced – and I know of no details concerning the meeting, Dwight has been silent among his friends as with the press – often take on a life of their own. Just getting to the table takes tremendous cooperation and when you have the habit of speaking publicly on an issue, it takes a tremendous amount of personal strength to keep silent. All involved are to be commended for their commitment to silence thus far.
I know you join me in praying for this meeting. All involved will need to seek reconciliation and that will take humility on the part of each and every one. If this meeting fails to produce progress, it could be disastrous. The person(s) responsible for failure, be that one or many, will certainly face an avalanche of criticism. Of course, the last thing we need is for the participants emerge from the room pointing fingers and blaming each other.
Let’s all pray for some healing at SWBTS. There is plenty on the plate beyond this.
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
Alan Cross
on Mar 20th, 2007
@ 1:29 pm:
I don’t think that race is the basic factor in this whole thing, but I do think that it comes into play on the level of perception. I think that many white pastors and SBC leaders dismiss many black pastors on issues like tongues or exuberant worship, because they think that black churches are more emotional anyway. At least that has been my experience as a white pastor who has heard side comments from other white pastors who just assumed I agreed with them. It has not been overwhelming, but the prejudice has been there.
I took some issue with the piece in the Florida Baptist by James Smith about Dwight a month or so ago as well (http://www.floridabaptistwitness.com/6984.article). It linked him to liberal theology in his positions, unnecessarily. I don’t know exactly what the point of that was, but that type of language can have some racial overtones, as many white pastors fear that black churches are affected by liberal theology. Again, that is just speculation and the evidence is anectdotal, but that has been my experience.
So, is race a driving or motivating factor in all of this? I would say no. But, is it there? Unfortunately, I fear that it is always there on some level. But, maybe I am completely wrong and those things don’t happen in the SBC anymore. That would be wonderful. Maybe I’m just too affected by the things I’ve heard and seen over the years to completely believe that. I hope I’m wrong, though.
Robin Foster
on Mar 20th, 2007
@ 5:38 pm:
Art
Thanks for your article. This is what I have been saying all along. I also understand Dwight’s reason for using such language and his apology in the aftermath of being misunderstood. I am with you for praying for the situation and Bro. Dwight. May a miracle of God happen in this situation.
God Bless
Bro. Robin
Bob Cleveland
on Mar 20th, 2007
@ 9:20 pm:
Hi Art:
After ministering in Jamaica many times, and having been there on vacation about as many times in addition, I have an offbeat observation. When we’re there, we never see race. It was a bit odd the first time we went there in 1992, being the only white faces we ever saw, but none of the Jamaicans ever made anything of it. We soon ignored it, ourselves.
I think it would be a very good thing if everyone could spend time in a place where they were, themselves, an obvious minority. Particularly where the majority are blind to the difference. It’s a real eye-opening experience, and points out to me that if you ain’t been there, it’s almost impossible to understand.
selahV
on Mar 20th, 2007
@ 11:53 pm:
What a blessing to read this post. I’m so happy they are meeting and staying away from the media. May God be glorified and healing be completed. selahV
Jeff Richard Young
on Mar 21st, 2007
@ 1:32 am:
Dear Brother Arthur,
Thanks for the update. I’ll pray with you over this meeting.
Love in Christ,
Jeff
Tim Rogers
on Mar 21st, 2007
@ 8:29 pm:
Brother Art,
I do pray for reconciliation between the trustees at SWBTS. You are so right about our need to pray for this meeting to be one that finds peace for all involved.
Blessings,
Tim