The Regional Synod of New York has been known as a Synod that keeps diversity Alive. As we continue to grow in our faith journey, we enabled the spirit of God to foster diversity in our polity and practice far beyond the Denomination’s policy for Racial Response of Diversity after Covid-19, a multicultural, multiethnic, and multigenerational population that mirrors Revelation 7.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once explained that Sunday was the most segregated day of the week for the Christian church and voiced that there was more integration within the entertaining world and other secular agencies than in the church. As our world today goes back and forth in terms of who is in and who is out, the church of Christ must be intentional in working to broaden horizons and challenge the status quo, we must be intentional in seeking to keep communication open even while recognizing our differences. We must be intentional in not separating ourselves, guided by love, moving with dignity and discipline. I am grateful for people like our former Executive Ministers, with regard to racial reconciliation and diversity at the Synod level, who encouraged Diversity in practices and mission services to congregations.
There are church leaders in our region who are asking the question, how do we keep diversity Alive? How do we maintain Diversity in a time of Change in our composition in becoming a Middle Assembly? Although the denomination has moved to embrace a reorganizational plan, little has been talked about in terms of cultivating a Revival movement toward embracing and enacting diversity within Middle Assemblies and Congregations, especially, during this climate when globalization, urbanization, and a rise in racial turmoil and economic differences have played a huge role in resuscitating the life of God’s Church. Little has been said and done at our Classes levels and among our denominational staff in hosting conversations and discussions on the importance of diversity and racial reconciliation as we journey in the restructuring process.
After deep reflection during this Lenten season, it appears to me that the church is going backwards for the sake of maintaining a cultural identity, rather than allowing the gospel and voice of God to seek, “A People Belonging,” as our former General Secretary, the late Rev. Dr. Ed. Molder preached.
For some people in our Region, diversity is not an issue. Pigmentation, background, socioeconomic class, culture, and accents do not make them skittish. Something about diversity makes them feel alive. However, there are those who gravitate to a like community within a different and overwhelming majority culture, while some pull toward a homogenous community because of privilege, theological teachings, and status in the Church community.
The bigger issue is people who oppose and intentionally neglect diversity in their churches. While diverse multicultural, multiethnic, multiracial, and multigenerational churches exist, there are some who do not appreciate or attempt to live fully into this privileged community.
For diversity to take root and flourish in our Middle Assembly, it will require, at the very least, a biblical vision in the proclamation of God’s Word in our teaching, preaching, and churches. The Resurrection seed of Jesus must be cultivated in our planning and be intentional to exhort God’s desire. Yes! This is hard work but indeed an effective way in expressing the sacrificial breath of laying our cultural and ethnic pride on the altar of God’s Church in becoming a Rich Diversity Easter Story as we embrace Middle Assemble!
As we approach Holy Week, we are reminded of the work of Christ on the Cross, we are reminded that Christ died for the world. We are reminded that we, the Body of Christ are One. We are reminded that our gathering places of worship should be a place of fellowship, where Christians are devoted to one another and honor one another, a place where we encourage and love one another as we grow together in Christ. The Church is called to be a Lighthouse and a bridge in our communities bringing people together as we point them to Jesus. As we work to form our Middle Assemblies let us show the world that though we are many, we are ONE for the glory of God.
Prayerfully,
Rev. Dr. Micheal Edwards, Executive Minister