I have a lot to say about why, in these times, parish ministers must be willing to clearly and honestly assess where there congregations are and to resign if they have indisputable evidence that their communities are not willing to embrace discomfort and humility together, grow in faith and understanding and be disciples rather than consumers or socialites.
This goes for the mainline white churches, most especially, but it also applies to all faith communities.
I think we can agree that what Robert Lee IV said on television was in no way controversial to anyone who is even remotely committed to anti-racism work. I am very sore at heart for his parishioners who supported him — and not just because he has freedom of speech, but because what he said was RIGHTEOUS and GOOD. He had an opportunity at an important moment in our nation’s history to redeem his name and to show that moral evolution through the generations is not only possible but a reality. Every day, I try to live in such a way as to fulfill the fondest hopes of my ancestors, but also to redeem their racism, ignorance and savagery. We all got it in our families, kids. Rob Lee happens to have it in a well-recorded family history that some still venerate, and that he has rejected. I think he used his opportunity very, very well.
Any big media moment featuring the pastor of a church will introduce anxiety in the system. I know this because I have had my own media moment when this blog attracted national attention. I was featured on the front page of the Boston Sunday Globe (over the fold), appeared on “Nightline” and several radio and television spots. The attention was more local but it was still a lot of exposure. I discussed every offer with my board of trustees and key trusted leaders, and we strategized together. They supported me, they handled the sputterings of more conservative parishioners, they granted permission for television cameras to be present in our worship service (we worked with the producer of “Nightline” on boundaries for the cameras), and we all rode it out together with a sense of curiosity, appreciation and even fun.
Twenty-first century churches must understand that the internet makes it very easy for clergy to have a non-local presence, impact and voice. We are all learning how this works together. When I interviewed for the parish ministry position I now have, I did a one-hour presentation for the congregation on the independent on-line ministry of PeaceBang. I explained what I was trying to accomplish through PeaceBang’s passion, humor, and sometimes caustic irreverence. I explained the difference in tone between blog (salon), Facebook (short form observances and devotionals) and Twitter (Wild West ideological shoot-outs/activism). People asked questions and the conversation was broached. They know they can always ask me what I’m doing, and they know that Victoria Weinstein, not PeaceBang, is their minister and belongs to them in a special way.
Now. All that said, let’s look at Rob Lee’s public clergy image at this moment of major exposure:
This touched me when I saw it. There’s Rob in the midst of the glitter and outrageous frippery of the MTV Video Music Awards in his clericals and chinos. He is a guest at the show; he knows exactly who he is and does not feel any pressure to glam up his game. He didn’t even wear a suit. That’s an intentional choice and makes a real statement about humility and ordinariness. “I am a common man, I am a pastor,” is what this outfit says. “I have a simple message and I’m here to deliver it in my simple outfit.”
There is another element to Rob Lee’s outfit that is a clear signal about who he is: did you notice?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Well done, Rob. We see you. We see who you are trying to be, and we pray for your strength of spirit, good health and supportive friends and associates as you move through whatever comes next.
Be in touch if there’s anything I can do for you besides bodyguarding you on Twitter.
Kiss of peace, PB
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