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.
The Episcopal Café seeks to be an independent voice, reporting and reflecting on the Episcopal Church and the Anglican tradition. The Café is not a platform of advocacy, but it does aim to tell the story of the church from the perspective of Progressive Christianity. Our collective sympathy, as the Café, lies with the project of widening the circle of inclusion within the church and empowering all the baptized for the role to which they have been called as followers of Christ.
The opinions expressed at the Café are those of individual contributors, and, unless otherwise noted, should not be interpreted as official statements of a parish, diocese or other organization. The art and articles that appear here remain the property of their creators.
All Content © 2017 Episcopal Café
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?