Baptist News Global
Sections
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Opinion
  • Curated
  • Storytelling
    • Faith & Justice >
      • Charleston: Metanoia with Bill Stanfield
      • Charlotte: QC Family Tree with Greg and Helms Jarrell
      • Little Rock: Judge Wendell Griffen
      • North Carolina: Conetoe
    • Welcoming the Stranger >
      • Lost Boys of Sudan: St. John’s Baptist Charlotte
      • Awakening to Immigrant Justice: Myers Park Baptist Church
      • Hospitality on the corner: Gaston Christian Center
    • Signature Ministries >
      • Jake Hall: Gospel Gothic, Music and Radio
    • Singing Our Faith >
      • Hymns for a Lifetime: Ken Wilson and Knollwood Baptist Church
      • Norfolk Street Choir
    • Resilient Rural America >
      • Alabama: Perry County
      • Texas: Hidalgo County
      • Arkansas Delta
      • Southeast Kentucky
  • More
    • Contact
    • About
    • Donate
    • Planned Giving
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Advertising
    • Ministry Jobs and More
    • Transitions
    • Subscribe
    • Submissions and Permissions
Support independent, faith-based journalism. Donate
Search Search this site

Confessions of a white preacher

OpinionDavid Jordan  |  August 1, 2016

Two stories. Two young men. One white. One black.

It was a number of years ago now. I was a pastor in the suburbs of Washington, in a multi-ethnic congregation of people from the very poor to the quite wealthy.

The first story began with a call I received from the wife of a young, 35-year-old father and husband, a rising and seemingly successful stock broker in our church.

“Sam has been arrested,” she said. Embarrassed, heartbroken and desperate, she wondered if I could go to him. Sam was charged with fraud and cocaine possession. He had confessed and was pleading for rehab and mercy. He had two young girls in school; he had been their soccer and softball coach; he still had so much to live for and so much yet to do. He also had a good lawyer.

I visited Sam — as his pastor, his advocate and his friend. He sat on a nice bed with a colorful quilt while pastel paint tones and comfortable furniture offered a calming ambiance to his room in the rehab center. It was expensive he said, but necessary for his full recovery.

We prayed together and were very hopeful that all would work out for the best. He was getting the help he needed, the judge appeared to be open to leniency, and this lovely facility gave every indication that he would get his life back and could start over with a second chance.

I got another call not long after that one.

“Leo is in prison. He would like to see you.” Leo was 15, big smile, sweet spirit and a very hard life. He never knew his father; his mother had serious learning disabilities and the grandmother he lived with openly spoke of the money she got from a couple of sources to raise him as her only income. She never hid her ambivalent feelings about Leo’s presence in her life. Nevertheless, Leo remained resilient, caring and positive.

I went to the prison where he was being held. In stark contrast to the fine rehab facility of the previous story, I had to sit on one side of thick plexiglass with a phone on my side and a phone on his side. Leo was ushered in from the jail cell where he was being kept. Wearing an orange jump suit and hands chained together in front of him, he shuffled sadly across the dreary gray space that led to the plexiglass barrier between us. His expression was filled with shame. He slumped with resignation in the cheap plastic chair on the other side of the window.

He had been a passenger in a car that a friend had taken for a joy ride. He didn’t realize that the vehicle was stolen. “Dave, I thought he bought it with the money he had been making for working at Wendy’s. That’s what he told me, and I believed him.”

Two stories. Two young men. One convicted of fraud and cocaine possession. The other a passenger in a car he didn’t realize was stolen. The first was given a gentle slap on the wrist. The other, harsh treatment in difficult conditions for any age, but Leo was 15. He was also African-American and at the mercy of a system he didn’t understand and had no advocates in. Sam was white and well-connected.

I had never heard of the term “white privilege.” But I confess now to understanding stories like these to be the sad reality in our society. Not much has changed in the years since I was the pastor to those two young men. News almost weekly seems to reinforce this continuing saga of inequity.

So what can we do? I offer three possible responses.

First, Follow Jesus’ imperative: “In all things, do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Mt. 7:12). Consider how it feels to be an African-American male who lives daily with prejudiced assumptions and unfair responses. Jesus’ teaching demands a level of empathy that takes seriously the hurt, alienation and resulting anger of young men like Leo.

Second, acknowledge the reality of “white privilege.” Let us confess that our society too long has perpetuated economic, judicial and social privileges for individuals like Sam while denying just treatment for individuals like Leo.

Finally, acknowledge the inequities in the justice system. Important books like Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow reveal the troubling facts of our unjust treatment of young African-American males like Leo. Read carefully and come to terms with what needs to be changed for young men like him to receive fair treatment. As Cornell West says, quoted in Alexander’s book, “For too long, there has been no mass fight back against the multileveled assault on poor and vulnerable people.”

It is hard to recognize that many of us have benefitted from a society unfairly tilted. And with a more just system, it just might mean the white member of my congregation convicted of fraud and cocaine possession might actually receive less mercy.

But better, I hope it will mean young men like Leo in my congregation might have the possibility to be viewed fairly, be offered better options, and be given positive second chances. It is time to do what we must to make right the injustices that stifle hope and stunt positive opportunities for the Leo’s of the world.

Two stories. Two young men. Two separate and unequal systems still at work and representing a sad reality that must be recognized by this middle class, white preacher. Let us heed the call of the prophet Micah and the imperative of Jesus: to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, as we work for justice, in kindness and with a contrite heart, walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

— Both of these stories are true but the names of the two involved have been changed.


OPINION: Views expressed in Baptist News Global columns and commentaries are solely those of the authors.
Tags:#blacklivesmatterMichelle Alexanderwhite privilegeThe New Jim CrowDavid JordanMatthew 7Cornell WestMicah 6:8
David Jordan
More by
David Jordan
  • Get BNG headlines in your inbox

  • Featured

    • Next BNG free webinar will survey global religious issues and human rights

      News

    • Insurrection postscript: The church’s one foundation isn’t the USA

      Opinion

    • Three signposts for American Christians in a changing world

      Opinion

    • It’s still rare for a Baptist minister to serve in Congress

      Analysis


    Curated

    • Jen Hatmaker apologizes for line in inaugural prayer critiqued as erasing Native Americans

      Jen Hatmaker apologizes for line in inaugural prayer critiqued as erasing Native Americans

      January 22, 2021
    • UN approves global conference on protecting religious sites

      UN approves global conference on protecting religious sites

      January 22, 2021
    • Sen. Ossoff was sworn in on pioneering Atlanta rabbi’s Bible – a nod to historic role of American Jews in civil rights struggle

      Sen. Ossoff was sworn in on pioneering Atlanta rabbi’s Bible – a nod to historic role of American Jews in civil rights struggle

      January 22, 2021
    • US Catholic bishops divided over Biden presidency

      US Catholic bishops divided over Biden presidency

      January 22, 2021
    Read Next:

    ‘How can I talk to my parent who has been consumed by Trumpism and QAnon?’

    OpinionMark Wingfield

    More Articles

    • All
    • News
    • Opinion
    • Curated
    • In memoriam: BNG columnist Doyle Sager

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • What would happen if immigration policies were based on majority opinion in the U.S.?

      AnalysisMark Wingfield

    • Today, I’ve got nothing to say

      OpinionRuss Dean

    • Two words, two virtues, to help America move forward

      OpinionH. Stephen Shoemaker

    • Effort to end death penalty in Virginia gaining momentum; prayer vigils planned

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Trying to make sense of January 6: Jesus wept

      OpinionAlan Bean

    • Religious liberty groups praise Biden’s repeal of Muslim travel ban

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • These churches will resume in-person gatherings only when it’s safe for all

      NewsHelen Jerman

    • This church was online before online was essential, and they’ve got some lessons to share

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • A wish list for the common good in a new era

      OpinionMarv Knox

    • How the Ebola experience helped the African continent’s fight against COVID-19

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • The end of Trump’s presidency does not end America’s root problem

      OpinionWendell Griffen

    • Transitions for the week of 1-22-21

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • D.C.-area churches seek to offer calm amid a tumultuous January

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • ‘How can I talk to my parent who has been consumed by Trumpism and QAnon?’

      OpinionMark Wingfield

    • Insurrection postscript: The church’s one foundation isn’t the USA

      OpinionBill Leonard, Senior Columnist

    • Anticipating a new day in immigration policy, a pastor, pilot and bricklayer keep an eye on Biden’s next move

      NewsRay Mwareya and Nyasha Bhobo

    • Three signposts for American Christians in a changing world

      OpinionChris Conley

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • It’s still rare for a Baptist minister to serve in Congress

      AnalysisMark Wingfield

    • Denver is sweeping away homeless encampments; two churches help open their own

      NewsLiam Adams

    • It’s hard to quit Herod, but we must worship another

      OpinionJohn Inscore Essick

    • Fellowship Southwest becomes independent, ecumenical ministry

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Truth Decay: When truth stumbles in the public square

      OpinionDavid Gushee, Senior Columnist

    • Unification will happen only after repentance

      OpinionEarl Chappell

    • In memoriam: BNG columnist Doyle Sager

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Effort to end death penalty in Virginia gaining momentum; prayer vigils planned

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Religious liberty groups praise Biden’s repeal of Muslim travel ban

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • These churches will resume in-person gatherings only when it’s safe for all

      NewsHelen Jerman

    • This church was online before online was essential, and they’ve got some lessons to share

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • How the Ebola experience helped the African continent’s fight against COVID-19

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • Transitions for the week of 1-22-21

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • D.C.-area churches seek to offer calm amid a tumultuous January

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Anticipating a new day in immigration policy, a pastor, pilot and bricklayer keep an eye on Biden’s next move

      NewsRay Mwareya and Nyasha Bhobo

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • Denver is sweeping away homeless encampments; two churches help open their own

      NewsLiam Adams

    • Fellowship Southwest becomes independent, ecumenical ministry

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • In New York City, serving the homeless offered a clue for how to serve trauma victims during the pandemic

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • At Central Seminary, Durso inauguration moves to virtual platform

      NewsBNG staff

    • Kentucky seminary receives Baugh Foundation grant to start Institute for Black Church Studies

      NewsPat Cole

    • American Protestants less open to sermons on race in 2020, survey finds

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • 3 current trends youth leaders need to know

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Seminarian, CBF and Georgia church find fellowship together

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • New effort to repeal federal death penalty is beginning

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Barna advice to pastors: Talk honestly about emotions and relationships

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Trump administration pushes evangelical agenda through last-minute actions

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Trump’s parting gift echos his immigration policies toward Africa

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • SBC seminary presidents meet with Black pastors but don’t change position on Critical Race Theory

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Q&A with Michael McMahon of the Hymn Society of North America

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Today, I’ve got nothing to say

      OpinionRuss Dean

    • Two words, two virtues, to help America move forward

      OpinionH. Stephen Shoemaker

    • Trying to make sense of January 6: Jesus wept

      OpinionAlan Bean

    • A wish list for the common good in a new era

      OpinionMarv Knox

    • The end of Trump’s presidency does not end America’s root problem

      OpinionWendell Griffen

    • ‘How can I talk to my parent who has been consumed by Trumpism and QAnon?’

      OpinionMark Wingfield

    • Insurrection postscript: The church’s one foundation isn’t the USA

      OpinionBill Leonard, Senior Columnist

    • Three signposts for American Christians in a changing world

      OpinionChris Conley

    • It’s hard to quit Herod, but we must worship another

      OpinionJohn Inscore Essick

    • Truth Decay: When truth stumbles in the public square

      OpinionDavid Gushee, Senior Columnist

    • Unification will happen only after repentance

      OpinionEarl Chappell

    • Inspiration from voices of American diversity

      OpinionPhawnda Moore

    • Some hard questions for reflection on this MLK Day

      OpinionSid Smith III

    • Let’s move beyond the easy answers and MLK quotes today

      OpinionCraig Nash

    • The blasphemy of Franklin Graham

      OpinionRobert P. Sellers

    • 10 prayers for 2021 (if we survive January)

      OpinionErich Bridges

    • Why ‘moderate’ churches fear telling it like it is

      OpinionEric Minton

    • 4 things you can do to counter the millions of Americans who are fully radicalized

      OpinionCorey Fields

    • Christian symbols and sedition at the Capitol: The church has work to do

      OpinionRhonda Abbott Blevins

    • Give yourself some grace during the pandemic

      OpinionBrett Younger

    • Understanding the trauma and finding hope after the siege of the nation’s Capitol

      OpinionKathy Manis Findley

    • Why I long for the church of my youth

      OpinionRichard T. Hughes

    • ‘He being dead, yet speaketh’

      OpinionHarold Ivan Smith

    • Toxic masculinity, 24-hour news and complacency fed the Jan. 6 riots

      OpinionJohn Jay Alvaro

    • A lesson from 19th century North Carolina: Lost cause, lost opportunity

      OpinionGreg Jarrell

    • Jen Hatmaker apologizes for line in inaugural prayer critiqued as erasing Native Americans

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • UN approves global conference on protecting religious sites

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Sen. Ossoff was sworn in on pioneering Atlanta rabbi’s Bible – a nod to historic role of American Jews in civil rights struggle

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • US Catholic bishops divided over Biden presidency

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Baptist World Alliance Announces Racial Justice Action Group

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • 3rd Candidate Joins Race for SBC President

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • From Biden’s giant Bible to Christian flags waved by rioters, ‘religion’ means different things to different people and different eras

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • In Biden’s Cabinet, Catholics and Jews dominate

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Biden Invokes Augustine in Call for American Unity

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • St. Matthew’s Cathedral, where Biden attended pre-inauguration Mass, has long been a place where politics and faith meet

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • North Dakota lawmaker sorry for mass email of QAnon video

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Mohler Faces SBC Presidential Challenge from the Right

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Biden’s Big Bible Is Heavy with History, Symbolism

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • How the Ebenezer Baptist Church has been a seat of Black power for generations in Atlanta

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Annual March for Life goes virtual amid COVID-19, unrest at US Capitol

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • The Capitol siege recalls past acts of Christian nationalist violence

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Moms of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin portrayed in new book

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • ‘Christian nationalists’ accused of violating law in Georgia elections

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Joanne Rogers, widow of ‘Mr. Rogers,’ dead at age 92

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Israel hopes to vaccinate Holocaust survivors to save and repay ‘treasured’ population

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Conspiracy theories and the ‘American Madness’ that gripped the Capitol

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Anti-Semitism seen in Capitol insurrection raises alarms

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Most Evangelical Trump Voters Didn’t Turn on Mike Pence

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • What four strangers of different faiths learned while living together during a pandemic

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • In waning days of Trump presidency, Department of Health and Human Services undercuts religious liberty protections in new final rule

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    Conversations that Matter.

    © 2021 Baptist News Global. All rights reserved.

    Want to share a story? We hope you will! Read our republishing, terms of use and privacy policies here.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • RSS