A Letter from Bishop Chris (February 2024A)
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I find that my imagination is routinely captured by an image from the book of Revelation. It often fills my thoughts and empowers my prayers for the Diocese of the Mid Atlantic. Revelation 7:9-10 says:
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”
The book of Revelation shows the incredible diversity and unity of God’s people worshiping him together. This end-time picture stirs my heart to know my brothers and sisters in Christ who are from other cultures and races and with whom I will one day share in the eternal bliss of the marriage supper of the Lamb.
This being Black History Month, and as part of my regular practice of spiritual reading, I am focusing on the works of several Black authors and particularly the writings of African American Christians. I do this as a matter of continuing my education and also as a means of growing and challenging my faith.
I have four books in my sight for the month including Let Justice Roll Down by the Reverend John M. Perkins, Strength to Love by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr (one of my wife Catherine’s favorites!), Beloved by Toni Morrison, and Oneness Embraced: A Kingdom Race Theology for Reconciliation, Unity and Justice by the Reverend Dr. Tony Evans.
I’ve just finished reading Let Justice Roll Down, in which Perkins recounts his faith journey in the midst of the civil rights movement in Mississippi in the early 1970’s. It’s fascinating, challenging and heartbreaking. Describing the solution for race relations in our country he aptly writes, “Only the power of Christ’s crucifixion on the cross and the glory of His resurrection can heal the deep racial wounds in both black and white people in America.” He recognizes that we need a power greater than ourselves to overcome the sin, hurt, injustice, prejudice, mistrust, and trauma woven throughout the history of black and white America. He makes the case that it’s the church alone that can bring about real justice. His heartbreak is that it seldom happens.
Reflecting on the evangelical church of the late 60’s and early 70’s and its general unwillingness to engage in the civil rights movement he laments, “what all that political activity needed- and lacked- was spiritual input. Even now, I do not understand why so many evangelicals find a sense of commitment to civil rights and to Jesus Christ an ‘either-or’ proposition.” If you substitute the word ‘justice’ for civil rights, this sentence could easily describe our day. I found myself wondering how some within the church continue to believe that the pursuit of justice and faith in Jesus are mutually exclusive when even a cursory reading of the Prophets indicates otherwise.
As I’ve been reflecting on Perkins’ words, I’m reminded that as God’s people we’re called to actively seek the vision of Revelation 7. The Scripture shows that God desires Kingdom unity with incredible diversity. As Christ’s followers, we’re called to partner with the Holy Spirit to bring this about. This usually requires us to stretch beyond our comfort zones and to learn from perspectives other than our own.
I must admit, I can hardly wait to start the next book. I’m excited about how the Holy Spirit will shape and lead me during Black History month. Why not consider including one or more of the books I’ve recommended as part of your spiritual reading this month and ask the Lord to guide you in how He wants you to apply what you read?
Blessings,
+Chris