Talking About Racism with our Kids

Last January I wrote a post called Talking About Evil with our Kids. I felt compelled to write it following the shooting at a mosque in Quebec that took the lives of six men and wounded several others. It is almost beyond my comprehension that I felt a duty to, in the pulpit this past Sunday, denounce white supremacy, racism, bigotry and hate.

I was compelled to speak publicly about this as a result of the events in Charlottesville a week and a half ago and the various alt right protests and rallies happening in the US and Canada. The media, social and otherwise, have been lit up with responses to the seeming growing momentum for this movement. One friend in particular, a woman of colour serving in the church, was pleading for the issue of racism to be addressed from pulpits in worship.

A lot of what I said in January about our response to evil relates here. This is an important and defining time in our churches. If we remain silent, we are complicit. However, our response needs to be measured rather than knee-jerk, thoughtful and prayerful rather than vengeful and violent. We need to exhibit grace and peace, if for no other reason than to not fuel the perceived victimization of those who are part of the KKK and similar groups.

How we respond in words and actions says a lot about our character, our faith in God’s provision, and what we believe it means to follow Jesus. Remembering that Jesus was Himself non-white, a refugee and a Jew needs to have some bearing on our response. Our Saviour and Lord would be targeted today as much as He was when He walked the earth.

Over the last several days, I’ve seen numerous responses to racism online. The one that touched me the most, and which is the best example to share with our kids (who we need to remember are not born racist - it is something they learn from us), was a sign that was placed at the memorial to Heather Heyer that simply said: “If you can learn to hate, we can teach you to love again.” A close second was the group of religious leaders of many stripes and races, walking in silence arm in arm through the streets of Charlottesville.

These two examples model Christ-like ways to deal with unfairness and racism. We do not demonize those who demonize others, because that makes us no different from them. We do not make a mockery of others because they frighten us or are difficult to understand. We acknowledge the humanity of others and we offer hope for a new beginning and for a return to healthy relationships and community. We stand tall in our beliefs, trusting in God’s protection even when it is uncomfortable. We show our commitment to our neighbour and to living out God’s love.

Here are some other good things to do:

1. Be available to your kids and youth, to parents and teachers. Events like these are frightening and can be hard to process. Know how you are feeling and pray for guidance about how God needs you to respond and help others.

2. Counteract this cruelty, hatred and violence by doubling down on your efforts to create an inclusive community in your child and youth programs this year where everyone feels welcome and valued and has a place. Name and shut down racism wherever you notice it and in whatever form, particularly with leaders, parents and learners.

3. Be an advocate for those who may feel targeted or afraid because of what is happening in the larger community. Work to create safe space for sharing worries and for cooperating to brainstorm positive and creative solutions.

Perhaps most importantly, remind those you serve with that love wins. That is how big our God is. The end of the story is already written and in this in-between time, we get to live out God’s love. It is a privilege and a challenge, and we are not left to do this alone.

This post is dedicated to all who fight for equality, respect and dignity for all people.