fundamentally made for community, for relationship, and
what defines that relationship is love.”
Fear of Change
Marshall then asked how fear relates to racism.
Cowart said people “fear the unknown, which drives
us to cling to that which is comfortable, to cling to that
which is known, and that begins to contribute to the
kinds of things that we see in systemic racism, and so I
think we have to have a willingness to say, ‘I am going to
intentionally step out of that comfort zone and choose to
take a path that’s more unknown.’”
Whitehead said that as we discuss racism, some
people confuse “the biblical call to pursue justice, to love
righteousness, as being on the slippery slope towards
theological liberalism, and nothing could be farther from
the truth.”
Adams said that as a lifelong Free Methodist, she’s
observed, “In terms of fear, we’re just afraid of change. We
have a certain denominational culture that needs to change.
For the voices who are helping us understand how it needs
to change, I’m grateful, and I think it is a God moment, a
kairos moment. There’s a change brewing.” Adams believes
the change is from the Holy Spirit, and she drew upon 1
John 4:18 and 2 Timothy 1:7 as she reminded the church,
“There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear. God
has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love, and
of sound mind.”
Marshall asked the panelists what it means to the church
that perfect love drives out fear.
Cleveland-Traylor said like Joseph’s brothers, some
White Americans live in fear of retribution, but “the goal
of most African Americans isn’t to actually harm White
people. The goal of most African Americans is just to level
the playing field, to be invited into the game, to be seen as
valued, to be respected, to be treated right.”
Michael Traylor said, “This idea of always being feared
just keeps us from being able to come together, even for
common fellowship. ... Intentionally loving others destroys
and dismantles this fear.”
Latchison echoed his previous call to ask ourselves how
the current time is challenging us. “Where is it requiring
that we stretch? ... If we’re seeking to keep a pure heart
before the Lord, if we’re seeking to please Him, we have to
be asking that question.”
pg. 20 — lightandlifemagazine.com
“This idea of always
being feared just keeps
us from being able to
come together, even for
common fellowship.
... Intentionally loving
others destroys and
dismantles this fear.”
— Michael Traylor,
River Conference superintendent
Venter said Scripture references fear in contrast to faith,
and we need to recognize “fear is one of the deep roots of
the challenges we’re facing in so many ways, that it’s our
opportunity to begin to think about what our response
should be, and as a people of faith, our response should
be in faith.”
Visit fmchr.ch/continuing to watch the video of the
conversation and read more quotes from participants.+
/bishops-host-second-racial-unity-conversation-with-fm-leaders
/lightandlifemagazine.com
/continuing