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In an op-ed for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Rev. Benjamin Campbell, of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, calls for us to tear down the “real” monuments of the Confederacy: the systemic oppression of African Americans. He cites economic injustice that targets people of color disproportionally, relics of segregation. Removing statues of Confederate figures is a start, but not enough. “The gravestones will be removed, but the buried bodies will continue to haunt us.”
The op-ed can be found here.
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I urge those commenting to read the op-ed. Campbell is referring to the vestiges of Confederacy reflected in schools, public transportation and the like.
This is how we get ourselves in trouble: We are not about ethnic cleansing; we are about defying and removing symbols of oppression.
Cemeteries hold all of God’s children; our Saints are in heaven.
How much removal will be enough?