There are so many lobby groups within the Anglican Church of Canada, it’s difficult to keep up. We have the Indigenous, LGBTs, Green Anglicans, Proud Anglicans, Conservatives (consisting of three people, assuming no one has died), Marxists (containing most of the rest) and now Black Anglicans of Canada. And they all seem to be in competition for attention. Black Anglicans of Canada, for example, is envious of the recognition of racism directed towards Indigenous people. Abject confessions of clerical racism are not inclusive enough:
I have observed and have been fascinated by the fact that when Canadians acknowledge racism at all, it is only to acknowledge the history of the dehumanization and destruction of Indigenous people. All other racialized groups are excluded from the narrative of racism in Canada. This narrative allows Canadians to ignore and dismiss the intricate web of racism that has systemically and institutionally shaped the development of the Canadian version of multiculturalism.
Canada, we are told, has a pernicious history of slavery of which it should be ashamed. So does just about any other civilization that has ever existed, including African blacks enslaving each other. But we mustn’t let facts intrude on our liturgy of self-flagellation. Besides, as Linda Nicholls has helpfully pointed out, if you are white, you are a racist no matter what you say, do, think or believe. You could spend the rest of your life comatose in a cave in the Himalayas and you’d still be a racist.
I’m pinkish-white so I’m not entitled to an opinion on this. I have one, nevertheless. The idea of racism, that one race is intrinsically inferior to another or deserving of contempt, is so discredited that it is believed by no one other than madmen or those so near the fringe of humanity they are the next best thing to madmen. Yet, somehow, we are all racists.
Our flawed, fallen human nature does nurse an instinctive suspicion or dislike of the other, though: protestants for Catholics; technicians for salesmen; the Welsh for the English; me for Anglican bishops. I have a Chinese friend who dislikes Chinese women drivers. Are any of these racist? By today’s standard of viewing everything through the lens of racism, all of them.
As far as I can see, Black Anglicans of Canada has only existed as an organisation since the beginning of June, 2020. Like so much of what is happening at the moment, it’s as if it spontaneously popped out of the Zeitgeist like a particle from a quantum vacuum.
As an aside, the photo at the top of this article (also in the Anglican Journal article) shows someone holding a sign demanding justice for George Floyd. We all like justice to be visited on others and the policeman who was instrumental in Floyd’s death will, no doubt, experience divine justice at some point. Human justice in North America, however, demands a number of things: a fair trial for the accused and a presumption of innocence. Has anyone anywhere in the media mentioned presumption of innocence – if so, I have not seen it? Do those holding up signs really want the justice our legal system provides? I doubt it.
I can’t remember the source or entirety of the quote, but I remember hearing that such groups as BLM, Black Anglicans, the LGBTQWERTY bunch, and the others, are “ . . . always there, always respectable, and sometimes in a crucifying mood.” We have seen it before.
As an aside, I have been called worse names by better people.
I am 85 years of age and reside in Abbotsford, B.C. and with some hesitancy I feel compelled to send this message to all of you concerning the George Floyd incident in Minneapolis. From my checking the information on the television and news I strongly believe the issues have been seriously perverted by special interest groups the result of which is promoting disrespect and anarchy.
The facts as I have noted appears to be that George Floyd encountered officers and clearly from the reported action he refused any direction from the officer(s) which resulted in his being restrained. While it does appear the actions of the officers may have been more severe than required, such action would not have been taken if George Floyd had followed simple instructions. He has been called a gentle giant but the facts would strongly suggest this was not the case in this incident. His race may have had something to do with this but I see no evidence of this. Had he followed the simple directions of the officer there would have been no problem.
The reaction by some in our society – namely the Black Lives Matter movement and others – seems to be totally political and designed to destroy any stability within our society as they want to have a society with no law enforcement personnel. This is proven by the actions of some to paint murals on properties they do not own and seeking to take down and destroy the monuments of our past ancestors that have made significant contributions to our society. Nothing is mentioned by any of them with respect to the duty of society to respect law enforcement. In fact they are out to destroy anything that does not fit in with what they want to do.
I strongly believe that our society needs good law enforcement and the situation in our society substantiates this. Our government leaders in both Canada and the United States need to support our police officers and agencies. This does not mean that mistakes are not made – nothing in this world is perfect – but our police officers are worthy of respect.
As citizens we look for honest and sincere governments from our elected officials and this includes standing up for what is right regardless of the political reactions. I appreciate this is an issue that could have political consequences but I strongly believe our government leaders need to take a stand for what is right while taking responsible action when same is required. This includes taking action against those who will use any incident as an excuse to violate existing laws or destroying or painting signs of any kind on public or private properties.
Our prayers are with all in government and/or law enforcement agencies.
Well said, Mr. Wirral. Reminds one of Paul’s arrests by the mob and especially that one incident in Ephesus where the officials finally quieted the crowd and reminded it that “the courts are open.” I suspect you are right and that these mobs don’t want to hear reason.
BTW, I’m 82 and live on the Island.
Humans live in a broken world. There is no paradise on earth. The Bible teaches that there will be a Final Judgment at the end of human history (Matthew 13:40-43). The sovereignty of God and the glory of God will be displayed. All humans are to appear before the judgment seat. All things that have been done during this present life will be judged (II Corinthians 5:10). Humans must account for their lives. In the end the will of the triune God will be perfectly done.
Any version of multiculturalism militates against what The LORD GOD planned and purposed for His Created world Deuteronomy 32:8, as the Apostle Paul affirmed on Athens multicultural EU-Mars Hill and its unknown god Acts 17:24-26…
“GOD that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is LORD of Heaven and earth…He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
And hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation…“
The Biblical “Charter of Rights“ does not permit any racism.
Nor does it Bless sin under the guise of countering it.
It was the late, martyred Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who counseled a young man who confessed homosexual inclinations, “You have a problem“.
It is his Minister Daughter, The Reverend Bernice King, who has given clear public
testimony that, “My Father did not take a bullet for same sex marriage!“
`Black Anglicans` best leave the anti-Scriptural Rainbow Banner at the door.