In the not so United States, about a dozen days after each Epiphany, we confront our tribal barriers as we commemorate the birthday of the son of African slaves. About a dozen days later, a whole month calls attention to our African story, which presses us to learn from our history so its worst patterns need not be repeated.
However, repetition of tribal alienation has persisted, the only thing really changing being the list of the present pariahs. Today’s acceptable demons include Latino immigrants, Muslims — especially alleged “enemy combatants” — and members of “that” political or theological party. Yes, even in the post-Christmas, post-Epiphany, post-MLK, post-modern church, contempt toward the other still thrives.
Presbyteries will be going to the polls through these next few months to consider adding to the church’s constitution the Belhar Confession, a document that addresses theologically the divisions between racial/cultural tribes among the nations and between theological/ideological/missional tribes within the church. Might adoption of such a document help us reverse the trends? More, with or without such a document, dare we to hope for a new Epiphany? Might we work for the day when the wolf shall lie down with the lamb?
