Last night, I participated in the Twitter conversation
(#ELCAWebcast) tied to the third ELCA webcast concerning racism within the
denomination. I noticed something interesting concerning a couple of tweets.
I sent out a thought in two tweets.
The first tweet was: “What I wonder is what are we really
willing to risk being a "welcoming" church?”
1/2 What I wonder is what are we really willing to risk being a "welcoming" church? #ELCAwebcast #decolonizeLutheranism— Tuhina Verma Rasche (@tvrasche) May 26, 2016
The second tweet was: “because [sp] Christians all over the
world are risking life & limb to praise Christ.”
2/2 becuase Christians all over the world are risking life & limb to praise Christ #ELCAwebcast #decolonizeLutheranism— Tuhina Verma Rasche (@tvrasche) May 26, 2016
I noticed an interesting dichotomy taking place between
these two tweets. The first shows that I can spell; the second shows that I
cannot. But there were other things to notice... Maybe because with an
electronic conversation in two parts, some are more apt to remember and see the
first part of the conversation? Maybe I am making something out of
nothing? Maybe I’m asking this particular series of questions because I myself
cannot speak truth?
About the dichotomy between the tweets... The first tweet is
a question. I’ve discovered that when tweeting a question to the Internet ether, it
doesn’t necessitate a response. Maybe it’s a question that is merely “food for
thought” on which to gnaw? Maybe it’s a question that no one wants to answer. It’s
also a question, that at least in a general group discussion in the Internet,
no one has to answer.
The second tweet is a statement. People around the world are
not only risking their lives and limbs to raise their hands in worship to
praise Christ, but they are dying. They are risking the ultimate risk,
putting their lives on the line, nailing
their lives to the cross.
After a webcast, I find it frustrating that this is the level of risk offered. Some can tweet, "Great conversation!" I really have a hard time accepting that some felt that they had a difficult discussion on racism, good job, bravo! now back to our regularly scheduled programming is risk enough. When it comes to conversations about racism and identity, I don't get to change the channel. I don't get to turn off the television. If we are going to have honest conversations and take action about the racial makeup of our denomination (however awesome or flawed that may be), much more risk-taking needs to take place.
After a webcast, I find it frustrating that this is the level of risk offered. Some can tweet, "Great conversation!" I really have a hard time accepting that some felt that they had a difficult discussion on racism, good job, bravo! now back to our regularly scheduled programming is risk enough. When it comes to conversations about racism and identity, I don't get to change the channel. I don't get to turn off the television. If we are going to have honest conversations and take action about the racial makeup of our denomination (however awesome or flawed that may be), much more risk-taking needs to take place.
I’ve been thinking about “welcoming,” intersectionality, and
risk for awhile and in conversation with trusted friends and conversation
partners. One of those beloved sisters is Alisha Gordon, who asked me, “What
are you willing to give up for the liberty of all people?”
Damn. Damndamndamndamndamn. Nothing quite like a question
that gets me to think... as a follower of the crucified and resurrected Christ,
what would I myself be willing to risk?
Let me be entirely honest and transparent with you: I am
struggling to answer that question. I am willing to risk things that
personally, I deem to be big... but globally, people are risking far, far, far
more.
But as a follower of Christ in the United States, do I
really and truly understand the concept of risk? Do I really and truly
understand what our forebearers of the faith in those early days risked to
profess a crucified and risen God? In thinking about last night’s Twitter
conversation and accompanying webcast, I think what I really want to ask is: what
are members of the ELCA willing to risk to truly be a welcoming church? Maybe a greater yearning is to search for an answer...
What are you willing to risk as a follower of the crucified
and risen Christ to truly be welcoming of Christ’s church? If the ELCA is to
truly take heed, much risk-taking must take place. But what risks? What must we do, risk, and give up to #decolonizeLutheranism?
Feeling uncomfortable in an awkward conversation?
Having someone being mad at you and having a fractured
relationship?
Your status? Your title? Your identity?
Your life?
1 comment:
I give up the desire to always be right. And the fear of offending someone. And I am willing to risk saying something totally stupid when I mean to say something helpful and profound. I risk listening more than I speak. I risk my tears and sounding totally strained when I try to talk about injustices that keep happening that make me feel so frustrated. I risk expressing my anger at seeing the "Fund for Leaders" photo with so few people of color and yelling "you're so excited about the future of the Church?!" I risk feeling angry instead of cynical and apathetic. I risk the choice to try to be on the side of love, even when I am worried that my own biases might cloud my judgment. I risk trying to be a gracious and thoughtful ally, even though I will probably step in it in the process.
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