Dale, David And Ian Discuss Conversations On Race - Part 2

How can we help people who feel like they don’t belong or fit in? Does racialization exist in the brotherhood?

These are tricky questions, especially for those who are members of ecclesias with very little diversity. In my opinion, the majority should always go out of their way to make the minority feel welcome. It’s beautiful when that happens, but even if it doesn't, the minority believer of any race still has options. They can take the initiative to raise awareness of cultural sensitivity. They can also be active in seeking friendships with brothers and sisters outside their own ecclesia. I felt that way one time.  I just stayed to myself and didn't realize I can go out there and meet other brothers and sisters.

I’d encourage our children to try and travel as well, to appreciate the truth and value of many positive brothers and sisters of all races throughout the brotherhood. I've met some very lovely brothers and sisters through the years. It’s helpful to remember them and recognize that there are many positive relationships to develop and focus on.  With so many meetings online during the pandemic, it has provided greater scope to meet one another and see “hey, here's what some brethren in Australia are doing, and here’s some brethren in South Africa” and so on. 

There’s this wrong idea that’s been cooked up, that “you shouldn’t talk to black people, or don't talk to white people,” but it's a disease born out of pure ignorance. This is what we are accustomed to, but that has got to change because we are advocating a mandate from our party leader, the Lord Jesus Christ, that he is coming to change all that, so how could we live any differently now? 

I have to admit white and black racism does exist in the brotherhood.  Here’s an example of how unwittingly we can present a bad image: I had to exhort at an ecclesia that included two different groups of people. Normally they would get along together. Nobody would notice any differences, no talk of racism or anything like that. But whenever I get up on the platform and I look out at the floor, I would see one race over on the left hand and another race on the right. Racism wasn't intended, but it happens because people like to sit next to those they know.  Someone shows up a little late for meeting, and they come in and look for where their family or friends are sitting and want to sit with them. It's so natural.

I shared this observation with a senior brother, and he said to me, “perhaps, you should talk to them.” But how do I begin to do that? We need to be a little bit more proactive. We need to be very conscious of the image we are presenting and make an effort to mingle with others. It might be a case of you and your wife going and sitting next to somebody else. Take the initiative to get groups to mingle. It’s very important because it shows that brotherhood in Christ transcends barriers of color.