On Martin Luther King day, it is worth reflecting on a pastor’s freedom. We read about the role that the church played in the Civil Rights movement. We know that the Black church played a key role in that movement and we also know that a number of white pastors did march in some of the demonstrations. The majority of churches and pastors were not heavily involved. We can look back and agree that the Gospel supports the direction of increasing the freedom and justice for all people, but even in that movement, the majority did not take courageous stands.
When we look at what is happening today, we see even less examples of protest, not only from the churches but from college youth, musicians, public figures, etc. If you talk to many pastors privately, they will feel strongly about the conditions of our world but they are reluctant to speak out in specific terms. Most would agree that God called them to be involved in the transformation of the world, but they feel caught in the tensions of our society and do not feel the freedom to speak boldly of their faith.
What restrains the freedom of our clergy to speak the truth as they see it? More importantly, what does it cost the pastor, emotionally and spiritually, to not feel the freedom to speak a stronger truth? That will be the topic for several more blogs this week.
