The late Karl Lutze began his ministry serving African American congregations in Oklahoma, first in Muskogee and then Tulsa. He focused on service, and when you’re intent on serving others, you have experiences.
“We were still chatting when we came to the hedge at the end of the walk to the street. Suddenly the strangers stepped from behind the shrubbery. They’d been there waiting for us. Identifying themselves as members of the White Citizens Council…. One of the men said, “We don’t like you and what you’re doing. And, don’t forget, we know exactly where you live!” (Awakening to Equality, University of Missouri Press, 2006; 140).
A much used word these days is “racism,” which Rev. Lutze says is overused. “I have not found it useful to use the term racism. Many whites seem to associate that term with meanness—remembering the brutality, lynchings, and burning of crosses and churches…. Since those who are repulsed by such conduct would never become thus involved, they would likely exclude themselves from being regarded as racist. Nonetheless, they may well tacitly subordinate people of another race. I have found it helpful, therefore, to define the issue this way: It is the reality of subordinating—by attitude, words, or actions—other individuals or groups for irrelevant reasons, such as racial of cultural derivation” (45).
“Subordination” captures how the Church approaches interpersonal relationships, including relationships between people of different races. “In humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Isn’t this the mind of Christ whose cross was put on us in baptism? “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:3, 8). The Latin word “minister” means “a subordinate, servant.” Ministry in the priesthood of all believers is devotion to Christ shown in service to whomever God puts before us. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
Rev. Lutze finally asked his critics, “‘Which church do you attend?’ After a rather awkward silence, one of the women spoke up and in a soft voice admitted, ‘We haven’t been to church anywhere for a couple of months now.’ I said, ‘I’m really glad you said that. I appreciate your honesty. I think that means that the way you have been thinking and talking and acting, you realize, can hardly be pleasing to your Lord, Jesus. You really don’t feel you can come into the presence of God, as long as you walk another path’” (140).
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