Black History in the United Church

 

As we come to the conclusion of Black History Month in North America I have this gnawing feeling that I could have given more attention in my personal life and in this blog to the importance of Black History and issues that are still prevalent today. Of course, Black History Month is meant to be a celebration of accomplishments in many spheres but it also recognized the obstacles and racism Black persons have endured. 

Our United Church of Canada has made specific efforts to counteract discrimination on the basis of colour for decades yet we have remained a predominantly white denomination through our nearly 100 years of history. The UCC traditionally had hundreds -- thousands?-- of rural congregations and unlike some urban congregations the surrounding communities were largely white. I attended a mandatory anti-racism seminar for clergy perhaps 15 years ago. At one point we were divided into small groups and one minister conceded that while this was an important issue the small town in which he lived and served had virtually no persons of colour, let alone in his congregation. He wasn't sure what to do with what he was learning. 

                                                                           Wilbur Howard

Yes, the United Church had a Black moderator in the 1970s, the Very Reverend Dr. Wilbur Howard, although his road was not an easy one because of the colour of his skin. Yes, the Union United is Canada's oldest Black congregation. Jazz musicians Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones were members and got their musical start there. Sidney Poitier, Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela are among the prominent guests through the years. There are Black pastors in our denomination, but they are few and far between. 

This hardly seems enough in terms of diversity and inclusion.  There were times during my ministry when persons of colour attended and a few stayed. Others were there for a Sunday and didn't return. What was it like to show up for worship and not see another Black person? 

We can continue our efforts to respond to systemic racism, prayerfully and practically. Here are links to to a couple of worthwhile pieces you might read. 

https://united-church.ca/blogs/round-table/unity-and-legacy-celebrating-black-history-canada-and-united-church#:~:text=As%20a%20Black%20man%20sitting,bring%20to%20our%20faith%20community.

https://broadview.org/the-first-black-moderator-of-the-united-church-faced-racism-that-still-resonates-today/

                                                   Choir Members, Union United Church, Montreal

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