Editorial: This time of crisis

The civil insurrection now occurring in our cities is a complex phenomenon, spawned by years of neglect, abuse and disdain of human dignity. Its flames are fanned by bigotry, prejudice and extremism of all kinds.

In this time of crisis, the church is called on to exercise its mediating influence whenever possible.

We must do more than treat the symptoms. The church must use its influence to help break down racial prejudice, injustice and bigotry. We should take the lead in promoting better race relations — both by teaching and example.
The church must use its influence to help break down racial prejudice, injustice and bigotry.
Our relations with African-American brethren in the past have too often consisted of inviting them to a gospel meeting once a year and giving them an occasional page of news in our papers. Or where we have shared in the work, our attitude has been one of superiority and paternalism.

We must accept our African-American brethren fully into our various activities as equals. We must let them know unmistakably that they are brethren to be fully accepted by all Christians.

There are encouraging signs. We applaud these forward steps and hope that they signal a renewed attitude of brotherhood and fellowship toward Christians of other races. We must never forget that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

This editorial is excerpted, almost verbatim, from the editorial that appeared in The Christian Chronicle on Friday, Aug. 11, 1967.