White supremacy and nationalism have been part of US American culture since the inception of this nation. But for those of us white folks born in the Desert Southwest after the “end” of Jim Crow laws (1965) have been able to pretend that white supremacy and white nationalism were a southern issue. Sure, some of us white faith leaders try to practice what Drew Hart calls “counterintuitive solidarity” and believe our LatinX sisters and brothers when they tell us of racist experiences they have endured. However, the events of last Saturday in El Paso do not require counter intuitive solidarity. The killer let us all know that race was his motivation. It is clear, we do not have a uniquely southern problem in our borders.

Anyone not blinded by their political ideological convictions should clearly see we have leaders (both civic and faith, both Republican and Democrat) in our nation that allow our President to be callous toward migrant families, to joke about shooting immigrants, to go on twitter rants, and to be openly hostile toward Muslim and women Democratic leaders. The silence of our leaders in the face of white supremacy is a major problem that needs to be remedied. To be clear, I do not believe that President Trump is the only modern leader we have or have ever had that is stricken by racism. However, it seems to me, that President Trump is the boldest of our modern leaders on issues of white supremacy.

The evil that was displayed in El Paso on Saturday has shaken all of us and a lot of people I know are determined to take action based on our faith. So how did last weekend change the way I see the world? My faith informs everything I do that is important to me and my faith tells me to act. Jesus, in the face of political oppression, acted to get the attention of political leaders who claimed to be children of G-D.

The time after an act of evil motivated by the evil of racism is the exact time for faith leaders to talk politics. The country is paying attention at times like these and we need to act while we have their attention. Our country has not dealt appropriately with racism. Our laws, which are meant to protect all people, are not enacted or legislated with ALL people in mind. God said through the prophet Amos in chapter 5 verses 21-24 of Amos’ oracle:

“I hate, I despise your festivals,
    and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
    I will not accept them;
and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals
    I will not look upon.
Take away from me the noise of your songs;
    I will not listen to the melody of your harps.
But let justice roll down like waters,
    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

– Pastor Ross Whiteaker

Morningstar United Methodist Church

Las Cruces, NM