Lee descendant quits as pastor over comments on MTV
RALEIGH, N.C. — A descendant of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee says he stepped down as pastor of a North Carolina church after negative reactions over his support for racial justice during an MTV awards show “made it clear that I was no longer welcome there.”
The general’s distant nephew, the Rev. Robert W. Lee IV, issued a statement Monday saying he resigned from Bethany United Church of Christ near Winston-salem after the congregation decided to put his tenure to a vote.
He said some church members were uncomfortable with his remarks praising the Black Lives Matter movement during the Aug. 27 MTV Video Music Awards. He was introducing the mother of Heather Heyer, who was killed during demonstrations over a Robert E. Lee statue in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Lee also used the televised remarks to lament that his ancestor has become a symbol of racism.
The MTV appearance brought unwanted attention to the small church about 100 miles west of Raleigh. The church has a Winston-salem address, but serves the town of Midway, Lee said.
“A faction of church members were concerned about my speech and that I lifted up Black Lives Matter movement, the Women’ s March, and Heather Heyer as examples of racial justice work,” Lee said in the statement explaining his resignation.
Lee on Tuesday declined to elaborate on what was said by the church members but said it was clear he couldn’t remain as pastor.
“The uncomfortable media attention and differing views with me by some of the congregation — and I want to make it very clear that it was not all of the congregation — made it clear that I was no longer welcome there,” he said, adding that he’s also received positive messages.
He said he received a supportive call from the Rev. John Dorhauer, the national president of the United Church of Christ.
Two local congregation leaders listed in state nonprofit filings didn’t respond to messages seeking comment Tuesday. The church’s phone rang unanswered.