Are You Symptomatic?

Are you symptomatic? Seems a relatively common question these days what with a pandemic still disrupting life as we knew it just a few months ago. The thing is the symptoms I am referring to are a bit different than you may be expecting. Don’t take your temperature; fever is not at all common.  Are you feeling sadness or shame? Possibly anger? It may be you are you moved by feelings of compassion; not necessarily empathy, that’s an advanced symptom that is only acquired by being in relationship with someone who’s suffered from this disorder. 

By now you must know that I am referring to symptoms that may occur in some white Americans as a consequence of the recent exacerbation of violence and racially-charged behavior perpetrated against black Americans, and the incredibly sad outcomes we’ve witnessed as a consequence. The disease of racial discrimination that has afflicted our brothers and sisters in the country for more than 400 years, and still manifests its consequences daily, is a collective sin that has, and continues to divide our nation to this day.

The consequences of racial discrimination practiced systematically over hundreds of years have produced inequalities in virtually every aspect of American life: access to and educational achievement, financial means, living conditions, rates of violent death, health and health outcomes, rates of incarceration, and addiction. The statistics to prove this statement are readily available, and the likelihood that the noted differences occur by chance is absolutely zero. 

The fact that racism and racialized systems are still part of American life means we’ve, and I mean white people in power in this country, including myself, have not seen this issue as a real problem that needs addressing. It’s as if the majority of white Americans have chosen to look away, hoping that things would work out; that someone would deal with it, and things would eventually get better somehow. Well, things are not better and, if anything they are worse for our waiting, considering the accumulated hurt, anger and injustice endured by black Americans in this country for far too long. 

As a man of faith I find myself questioning why the churches in American, especially the predominately white churches, have not been at the forefront of change in this regard. Sadly our lack of advocacy for the oppressed is not uncharacteristic. The Church was late in advocating for women’s suffrage, for the abolition of slavery, for the rights of Native Americans and other groups who were powerless to obtain justice for themselves . I cannot, and will not absolve myself of responsibility for not being among those who’ve advocated for an end to racism and racilization of our social structures. I can no longer be silent. I can no longer wait for someone else to make things better. I will find ways to be a peaceful agent for change in the name of the God whose Son Jesus so clearly and dramatically showed us what it means to love our neighbor. God’s loving kindness and unending quest to redeem all mankind continues in and through those who are surrendered to his will and share his love for the world. God is faithful and continues to call upon the Church to advance his reconciling work among men. 

Are you symptomatic? If you’re not, have you to considered why that may be? Perhaps you simply lack exposure to the transforming agency of love and grace. God stands ready to expose you to His life giving love. Take off your mask and inhale. 

The Rev. Greg Buffone

N.B. For those of you that haven’t seen the letter from the Bishops of Texas released June 3rd you can read it here.