Fred Gray praised for devotion to God, justice

I appreciate the Chronicle’s Dialogue with Fred Gray. Churches of Christ should be proud that our movement produced someone of such great courage and influence as Fred Gray.
While the majority of our churches refused to speak out against segregation, Gray’s faith demanded that he do so. He is an example of how our faith should inspire a fight for justice in our world.
The greatest way to honor a hero like Gray is for each church and every Christian to commit to erasing racism in our churches, communities, nation and world.
Travis Stanley | Irving, Texas
Thank you for your recent interview with Fred Gray. I hope we will continue to seek ways to “love the brotherhood.”
I grieve over some of our history as a movement relative to race relations, but I rejoice that Gray feels progress has been made among us in following the example of Jesus more closely. May more and more Christians share Gray’s — and the Lord’s — dream of a loving brotherhood where the Golden Rule prevails.

Clyde H. Slimp | Mustang, Okla.
The Dialogue with Fred Gray was an eye-opening conversation that answered questions that I had regarding the role of civil rights and the church.
They were not the answers I had hoped for. As a Christian born in the 1960s in the South, I had hoped that the white churches would have been “no respecter of persons,” but I have learned that this was not necessarily true. I hope that Mr. Gray sees hope in our members today.
I hope that I can be a part of the plan to make sure that we are what Jesus is — colorblind. This is my prayer.

Kelly Wilkinson | Terre Haute, Ind.
Opinion content ‘lights candles’
The January issue of The Christian Chronicle is full of encouragement, optimism and hope for Churches of Christ. Your editorial on “How can we grow the Lord’s church?” and Bailey McBride’s “Advice for Preachers” pinpoint exactly what we need in the church.
These good pieces “light candles instead of cursing the darkness.” Thank you for showing us the way to restore life and bring growth to our congregations.
Every month after reading the stories, ministries and good works described in the Chronicle, I thank God for letting me be a part of this restoration fellowship.
Calvin Warpula | Houston