Bishop Stokes discussed the events in Charlottesville
New Jersey Rev. Bishop William “Chip” Stokes implored people to resist violence in response to racial strife in Charlottesville, VA.
Stokes penned a letter that began with a Bible passage from Romans 12:21.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
His instructions were heartfelt and heard but there’s a war raging inside many people, one that will test religious ideals about anger, reciprocity and the idea that Christians should not only forgive but also turn the other cheek.
Bottom line? It’s tough being human and a child of God.
“No one should be surprised by what happened in Charlottesville. In our current political climate, so-called white supremacy, white nationalism, neo-Nazism and the overt racism of the KKK have been empowered and emboldened to spew hatred publicly and without shame. Sadly, some counter-protesters allowed themselves to be baited and responded to the violence with violence. There is no moral equivalence, however. White nationalists and white supremacists holding hateful, racist positions armed themselves and came to Charlottesville to instigate violence and hatred. They succeeded,” Stokes wrote.
Critics have chastised about consistent opinions here regarding U.S. race problems, particularly white readers who through opportunity, hard work or lineage experience a far different country then many of our nation’s poor, disenfranchised and minorities.
Despite significant advantages, some white people profess a notion that it’s time for them to take back their country, negating the fact that Native Americans lost their land to ruthless men who implemented genocide and fear to obtain hills, valley and amber waves of grain.
While Stokes and other religious leaders rightfully implore nonviolence and expressions of peace, it’s difficult to remain calm and non-revengeful when opponents carry guns, bats and use automobiles to kill people who do not see life their way.
Stokes added “It needs to be stated without equivocation that racism, the tenets of white supremacy, white nationalism, Nazism and similar ideologies cannot be reconciled with the teachings of Jesus or the Christian faith. Those who claim Christian identity while holding these types of views can only be viewed as heretics and in error. As Episcopalians, we are sworn to oppose these. Our baptismal promises allow no room for compromise.”
Charlottesville did not just happen.
Those adults who hate with such passion were groomed for their racism, bigotry and discrimination.
“All are welcome in the Episcopal Church; hatred and bigotry are not. Being clear with those who hold hateful, bigoted views, or who act in hateful and bigoted ways, that these views and actions are not acceptable and cannot be harmonized with authentic Christian faith and living is an act of love. A wise priest once said to me, “Sometimes ‘no’ is the language of love,” Stokes added.
“Sadly, racism and bigotry still infect not only our nation, but also our Church and our diocese. With society, we all still have much work to do. I will be consulting with our Anti-Racism Commission and Team to consider how we might deepen our work and be more effective in the days and weeks ahead.”
The Diocese had planned an event that likely will involve perceptions about Charlottesville and faith as Bishop Stokes hosts a forum for all high school youth on Thursday, Aug. 17th from 7-9 p.m. Diocesan House.
Call (609) 394-5281 for information.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Reach him at laparker@trentonian.com. Follow him on Twitter@laparker6.