Biden campaign faith director talks Christian beliefs,

 

Biden campaign faith director talks Christian beliefs, outreach to evangelicals and systemic racism

By Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 

Josh Dickson

The newly appointed head of faith outreach for former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign is working on getting evangelicals to support the Democratic nominee.

During the Obama administration, for a time, Dickson worked as the director of the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Dickson believes some evangelicals are moving toward supporting Biden. An example of this, he said, is seeing evangelical leaders' embrace of the Black Lives Matter movement.

“We have seen evangelicals marching in the streets, we have seen evangelicals talking about Black Lives Matter and speaking and praising Black Lives Matter,” said Dickson. “We've seen a tremendous response from individual pastors who have large followings who have marched in the streets. We've seen leaders, elected leaders who have marched in the streets from evangelical backgrounds.”

This level of support leads Dickson to conclude that “the real religious issue in this election is fighting systemic racism.” Biden, he said, has an advantage in handling that issue.

“We want to let people of faith know that in this moment that they are valued and they matter to the vice president and to this campaign and to the future direction of this country,” continued Dickson.

The Christian Post interviewed Dickson on a variety of topics, including his faith journey, political views, and why he thinks evangelicals should support Biden for president despite certain ideological differences.

Staying Christian, changing parties

Born into a conservative family in which many attended Moody Bible Institute, Dickson had a Christian upbringing that involved attending church on Sundays and Wednesdays.

While enrolled at the University of Michigan, Dickson oversaw outreach efforts for the Campus Crusade for Christ chapter. After college, he became a teacher in the South Side of Chicago, Illinois.

Dickson explained to CP that it was his belief in “the redemptive ministry and Gospel of Jesus” that inspired him to take the teaching job instead of pursuing law school, noting that he was inspired by Luke 12:48, “to whom much is given, much is required.”

"It’s the core of my values; it’s the first thing I identify with. It drives everything that I do — being a Christian, being a believer,” said Dickson.

"My faith also led me into the public service arena after college, and it was the reason why I chose to be a teacher in the South Side of Chicago."

Dickson said that teaching in Chicago "really opened my eyes to the ministry of Jesus in a different way that I hadn't been as exposed to.”

“It really helped me see more of the example He set for us by how He lived His life and the ways that He showed His love, compassion, and commitment to the inherent and God-given dignity of other people through service,” he said.

"In the Gospels, Jesus says 'the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.' I think I really found what that meant for me a lot more when I was teaching and working in the little village community on the South Side of Chicago and working with the students that I worked with. The families were all just incredible people who were still invested in our shared work, trying to ensure that their children had just as much opportunity, regardless of their zip code or the color of their skin."

Dickson initially self-identified as a Republican. In 2004, the first presidential election he voted in, Dickson said he supported incumbent George W. Bush.

...

Dickson believes that Biden, a practicing Catholic, is “an authentic man of faith whose faith and values inform his political participation, his long history of fighting for civil rights and fighting for the least of these.”

Biden’s beliefs will inform his presidency, Dickson told CP, citing as an example the former vice president’s recently released racial economic equity statement.

“I think that it encapsulates how Joe Biden's faith is going to inform his vision for the country. It is very much rooted in those values that come from Catholic teaching and rooted in those values that are very much centered on the common good,” he said.

for more of the article, click here:  Christian Post

Requiescat in Pace, Congressman John Lewis

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 
2 Timothy 4:7

Vice President Biden's statement:  

We are made in the image of God, and then there is John Lewis.

How could someone in flesh and blood be so courageous, so full of hope and love in the face of so much hate, violence, and vengeance? Perhaps it was the Spirit that found John as a young boy in the Deep South dreaming of preaching the social gospel; the work ethic his sharecropper parents instilled in him and that stayed with him; the convictions of nonviolent civil disobedience he mastered from Dr. King and countless fearless leaders in the movement; or the abiding connection with the constituents of Georgia’s 5th District he loyally served for decades.

Or perhaps it was that he was truly a one-of-a-kind, a moral compass who always knew where to point us and which direction to march.

It is rare to meet and befriend our heroes. John was that hero for so many people of every race and station, including us. He absorbed the force of human nature’s cruelty during the course of his life, and the only thing that could finally stop him was cancer. But he was not bitter. We spoke to him a few days ago for the final time. His voice still commanded respect and his laugh was still full of joy. Instead of answering our concerns for him, he asked about us. He asked us to stay focused on the work left undone to heal this nation. He was himself – a man at peace, of dignity, grace and character.

John’s life reminds us that the most powerful symbol of what it means to be an American is what we do with the time we have to make real the promise of our nation – that we are all created equal and deserve to be treated equally. Through the beatings, the marches, the arrests, the debates on war, peace, and freedom, and the legislative fights for good jobs and health care and the fundamental right to vote, he taught us that while the journey toward equality is not easy, we must be unafraid and never cower and never, ever give up.

That is the charge a great American and humble man of God has left us. For parents trying to answer their children’s questions about what to make of the world we are in today, teach them about John Lewis. For the peaceful marchers for racial and economic justice around the world who are asking where we go from here, follow his lead. For his fellow legislators, govern by your conscience like he did, not for power or party. He was our bridge – to our history so we did not forget its pain and to our future so we never lose our hope.

To John’s son, John Miles, and to his family, friends, staff, and constituents, we send you our love and prayers. Thank you for sharing him with the nation and the world.

And to John, march on, dear friend. May God bless you. May you reunite with your beloved Lillian. And may you continue to inspire righteous good trouble down from the Heavens.

Archbishop of Miami on Racism

Archbishop Thomas Wenski preached this homily during a Mass for Unity Against Racism, celebrated July 5, 2020, at Holy Redeemer Church in Miami.

This Fourth of July Weekend is a “graced” opportunity to highlight the Church’s social teachings – an opportunity given current events we should not allow to pass. The 4th of July celebrates America’s Independence after a war in which white and black Americans fought and died. Yet, as Frederick Douglas said in the 1850’s: “What is the 4th of July to the American slave? I am not included under the pale of this glorious celebration. The 4th of July is yours not mine.” However, after the Civil War and with Emancipation, he embraced the celebration – and in the states of the former Confederacy free blacks made the 4th of July a celebration of Black Freedom. But Jim Crow would soon enough tamp down those kinds of celebrations.

And so, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would describe the Declaration of Independence as a “promissory note of liberty and justice for all," a note stamped with the words “insufficient funds." But Dr. King’s Civil Rights movement touched the conscience of America and ended “Jim Crow." However, the killing of George Floyd has pulled off the scab on a still festering wound in our nation, the wound of racism. The continued unrest in our cities since the killing of George Floyd reminds us that this “promissory note” is not yet fully redeemed.

Yes, the body politic still bears the festering wounds of racism, the original sin of our founding. Dr. King in his last book, published before his assassination, famously asked: “Where do we go from here: chaos or community?” Today, on the 244th anniversary of its Independence, America faces a triple crisis: a global pandemic, an economic catastrophe, and ongoing social unrest in many of our cities.

Despite our nation’s partisan divisions, we will have to come together on common ground to address this triple crisis. Chaos is not an option if we are to address this triple crisis as well advancing needed reforms in the area of immigration, health care, education, social and economic inequality as well as fixing what is broken in our system of justice that is still far from being “color blind."

America will only be strong when all our institutions promote the common good and work for the advantage of everyone. America will only be at its best when the rights of the weak and vulnerable are protected and not viewed as expendable.

That’s why on this Independence Day weekend, we gather to pray for justice, to stand as a community of faith for unity against racism because chaos is not an option if we seek to hasten that day “when people will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

AA (alcoholics anonymous), has a saying: Denial is not just a river in Egypt. Rather, it is an obstacle that the alcoholic must stay aware of if he is to maintain sobriety because extreme denial is often a characteristic of those struggling with the disease of alcoholism. Well, America for far too long has been in denial, often “extreme denial” about racism.

We cannot deny the sin of racism or the seriousness of its consequences not only in minds and attitudes of individual people but also in the social structures and legal framework of the societies people build. We are to love our neighbor – and even our enemies. Such love is not just an empty or shallow sentimentality. True love must always be “love in truth." Enabling denial is not to love in truth. If you ever had to deal with someone struggling with addiction, you know you do them no favors if you enable their denial. Denial about his addiction only creates more chaos in the life of an alcoholic; denial about the sin of racism creates chaos in our society; it is an obstacle that must be overcome if we bend the arc towards justice and build communities of peace and hope.

Jesus in the Gospel reading today tells us: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me and you will find rest...My yoke is easy and my burden light." The Scripture commentators remind us that those who listened to Jesus understood the image here. Farmers would yoke together a stronger, more experienced ox, with a younger and inexperienced one – so that the stronger would teach the weaker. Jesus invites us to "yoke" ourselves to him for he understands the weakness of our fallen human nature. His yoke is lighter – not because he demands less of us but because he bears more of the load for us. In that sense, being a Christian is not a burden – as some would believe – but a gift. A gift that brings us joy even in adversity.

Racism is a sin. It says so in the catechism – which also lists a whole lot of other sins. Some people don’t want to hear about the sin of racism – just as there are other people that don’t want to hear about sins of fornication, or sodomy, or theft or even gossip. But, you know, Jesus loves sinners, all of us. This parish is called Holy Redeemer because Jesus died on the cross to redeem us from our sins.

Yes, Jesus loves sinners – but not with a sentimental or saccharine kind of love that would enable denial; but with a love that is love in truth, a love that love is stronger than sin. Love names the sin not to damn the sinner but to call the sinner to conversion of heart and mind. For the love that opened its arms on a cross of wood is love that believes that the sinner can be redeemed.

This why we must not despair of America. We love America – but let’s love her “in truth” and not just with a sentimental love – a kind of love that would enable denial and foment unrest and chaos instead of community and the “rest," the redemption, that Jesus promises if we love in truth.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., like the Old Testament prophets, refused to remain silent in the face of evil. And, he understood that evil would not be conquered by more evil. Returning evil for evil cannot make the world better. “An eye for an eye” ethic would leave everybody blind. He opposed the evils of segregation and racial prejudice through non-violent action. With courage and great sacrifice, he helped make America better. This Baptist preacher with courageous words and deeds touched the conscience of America and in ending “Jim Crow” he ultimately made America stronger. His example and his faith should inspire and guide us today as we face new challenges and new evils. We can never allow ourselves to give in, or to give up

But even as we acknowledge how far yet we must go before the promissory note of liberty and justice for all is fully redeemed, Americans of all races should take holy pride in how far we have come. As one preacher said, We ain’t what we oughta be and we ain’t what we’re gonna be; but thank God almighty, we ain’t what we used to be.

Black Catholic Conservative Banned from Conservative Catholic Radio for Speaking of Racism.

As far as we know, Gloria Purvis is not a Catholic for Biden.  Gloria is a strongly pro-life Catholic.  She converted to Catholicism when she was 12 years old, after an experience at Eucharistic adoration in her Catholic school. She later called it a “mystical experience with the Eucharist...just coming to know it was real, that it was alive, and feeling like I was consumed with a fire all over my body, but it didn’t burn.”

She is a frequent speaker on pro-life and catechetical issues; she and her husband have been active in pro-life ministry and other parish ministry in the Archdiocese of Washington.  Purvis is a board member for the Northwest Pregnancy Center and Maternity Home in Washington, D.C. and an advisory board member on the Maryland Catholic Conference’s Respect for Life Office. She chairperson for Black Catholics United for Life, which seeks to increase the size and strength of active Black Catholics participating in the pro-life movement.

She also has a daily program called 'Morning Glory', produced by the conservative Catholic media entity EWTN, an operation not noted for any wild liberalism.

Her radio program has now been dropped by Guadalupe Radio Network, another conservative Catholic radio network that gets its programming from EWTN.  The reason is that Gloria talked about the sin of racism.

It is really a sad situation when speaking against racism gets a devoted Catholic banned from a so-called Catholic radio network.

Archdiocese of Washington Announces Convocation Against Racism for Monday at Lafayette Park

At the direction of the Archbishop, the Archdiocese of Washington will hold a Convocation on Monday, June 8th in Lafayette Park, across from the White House.  The purpose of the Catholic Convocation is to pray to end racism and for the repose of the soul of George Floyd.

ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

Please join the Catholic faithful in a public witness to pray for the soul of George Floyd and the soul of America. Join local Catholic bishops, clergy and lay faithful as we pray and move with Christian solidarity to lift our country up in prayer. Let us gather to rededicate ourselves to the defense of all life and recommit ourselves to an anti-racism agenda.

Our mission: to pray for a change of heart, an end to hatred and institutional discrimination of all kinds.

The plans for the protest are as follows: we will assemble at Lafayette Park beginning from 11:00 am on Monday June 8. At exactly noon, we will begin with prayer and move in prayer toward the White House.

Things you may need:
·        Clergy and Religious, please wear cassock, habit, or black clerical shirt.
·        Do not forget to grab a bottle of water and a hat/cap.
·        You are welcome to bring appropriate signs /posters.
·        Remember that social distancing may be difficult, so do not forget your mask.
·        The best way to travel to the park is by using Metro and getting off at the McPherson Square Station. If you drive, please note that parking is limited in some areas of downtown Washington at this time.

Father Cornelius Ejiogu, SSJ, Pastor of Saint Luke Parish, is coordinating this effort. Should you have questions, Fr. Cornelius can be reached at ejioguc@adw.org

DC Knights of Columbus Council Denounces Trump Stunt at DC Shrine

A local Knights of Columbus Council in Washington, DC split with the national organization and denounced Trump's visit to the KC's conference center and John Paul II shrine.  Grand Knight Anthony H. Bigesby of St. Augustine Council #15723 said "We were not notified that the President will be over at the JPII shrine. The only time I found out about it is when I saw Archbishop Gregory's statement. I'm in full support of Archbishop Gregory." Archbishop Wilton Gregory issued a strong statement against the visit. 

Dr. Edward Anthony Rankin, another member of the Knights of Columbus in Washington, DC, said he was disappointed with the national organization.  Recalling Trump's record of racism against black men, he said, "A few years ago President Trump referred to Colin Kaepernick in a derogatory term for peacefully protesting. I can't speak of what right he had to go there, but to use it [the shrine] as a backdrop is not something I condone."

In addition to the diocesan bishop and many other Catholic bishops and leaders, the KC's are now facing internal dissent over this action.  

STATEMENT OF MOST REV. ROY CAMPBELL, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS

BISHOP ROY CAMPBELL

The following statement regarding the death of George Floyd was issued on June 3, 2020 by Bishop Roy E. Campbell, Jr., the president of the National Black Catholic Congress.

My fellow citizens of these United States of America, we have witnessed in graphic video detail, racism on display in the 21st century in the killing of George Floyd, an arrested, unarmed, handcuffed and subdued black man by a white police officer, who refused to acknowledge a fellow human being’s cries of distress.

The National Black Catholic Congress (the Congress) joins the nonviolent calls and protests for a complete and transparent investigation of the killing of Mr. Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Along with a call for investigation and justice, the Congress echoes Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, in which he states in part, “…Let us pray for comfort for his grieving family and friends, peace for a hurting community and prudence while the process moves forward. We need a full investigation that results in rightful accountability and veritable justice…”

Justice is what Mr. Floyd and his family and friends deserve. Justice through equal and fair treatment under the law is what every person in this country deserves. Justice brings about peace, and peace allows love to flourish. This is what the founding fathers of this country tried to promote in the Constitution and what this nation fought a Civil War to uphold, that ended 155 years ago.

However, the racism brought on by the enslavement of Black Americans in the years leading up to the establishment of the United States of America to the Civil War, still exists and all too frequently displays its ugly effects today in racist attitudes and actions that discriminate one people from another.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once wrote, “Discrimination is a hellhound that gnaws at Negroes in every waking moment of their lives to remind them that the lie of their inferiority is accepted as truth in the society dominating them.” He also wrote, “Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose, they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress.”

Today, as we seek justice for George Floyd and his family, each of us must commit ourselves to the untiring pursuit of justice, peace and love for every person in this country; because, together every person in this country makes us the United States of America.

Biden Prays and Listens While Trump Tries to Use Religion as a Prop

One thing you can say in Trump's favor is that he has brought Catholics and Protestants together in opposition to his stunts using churches as props.  Both the Roman Catholic and the Protestant Episcopal Church bishops denounced Trump's actions this week.

Joe Biden, on the other hand, visited a Methodist church where he prayed and listened to marginalized voices.  At Bethel AME Church in Wilmington, DE, Vice President Biden heard from African American community leaders.  For an hour, the Vice-President listened and took notes.  

When Mr. Biden finally stood up to speak, he quoted the philosopher Soren Kierkegaard — “‘Faith sees best in the dark,’” he said, “and it’s been pretty dark” — before condemning President Trump for, he said, publicly legitimizing the racism that protesters are fighting against.

Bishops, Priests, Deacons Act in Response to Murder of George Floyd

The Catholic bishops of the United States have issued a statement in wake of the death of George Floyd and the national protests.  And peacefully demonstrating at the White House have been many Catholic priests and deacons including Fr. Thomas Reese, SJ (pictured above, center) and Rev. Deacon Jerry Collins of the Archdiocese of Washington.  Trump falsely asserted the Mayor of Washington, DC (a Catholic lady) refused to allow the DC police to protect the White House against the demonstrations.  The Mayor corrected Trump's lie and said that he was "a scared man, alone and afraid".

Our nuns, of course, are already far ahead of the clergy.  That doesn't even need to be mentioned.  The bishops' statement is linked here:

 http://www.usccb.org/news/2020/20-83.cfm

Joe Biden on the Killing of Ahmaud Arbery

Joe Biden

✔@JoeBiden

The video is clear: Ahmaud Arbery was killed in cold blood. My heart goes out to his family, who deserve justice and deserve it now. It is time for a swift, full, and transparent investigation into his murder.