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1. You may’ve noticed there wasn’t a big faith presence during last night’s demonstrations.
Based off reporting I did for my book American Prophets, there are likely 2 reasons for that, both of which expose the complexity of faith engagement with modern racial justice movements.
Based off reporting I did for my book American Prophets, there are likely 2 reasons for that, both of which expose the complexity of faith engagement with modern racial justice movements.
2. The short version, gleaned from speaking to activists:
A) There likely *were* faith leaders out last night, but their presence is often under-covered.
B) These days, prominent faith leaders and those on the front lines of these demonstrations are often *different groups.*
A) There likely *were* faith leaders out last night, but their presence is often under-covered.
B) These days, prominent faith leaders and those on the front lines of these demonstrations are often *different groups.*
3. Part of that is a shift in the organizing base. Whereas the 60s-civil rights era was lead in large part by clergy, modern efforts are often lead by younger demonstrators whose connection to faith is complicated.
It leads to moments like this 2014 moment in Ferguson.
It leads to moments like this 2014 moment in Ferguson.
4. Blackmon=Rev. Traci Blackmon, who was a relative unknown at the time, but has since risen to prominence. That was largely because she *earned* credibility with the demonstrators by showing up on the front lines.
So did other clergy, leading to moments like this.
So did other clergy, leading to moments like this.
5. Clergy are essentially re-earning their credibility with these younger activists — it is *not* presumed.
As such, the clergy-as-mediator role is becoming common: Compare this quote from Blackmon in American Prophets to what was told to me this week by a pastor in Minneapolis.
As such, the clergy-as-mediator role is becoming common: Compare this quote from Blackmon in American Prophets to what was told to me this week by a pastor in Minneapolis.
6. That “Keepers of the Story” bit may be key: watch to see if clergy start correcting narratives this week, explaining what they saw over and against narratives told by others (e.g., police).
It's a different role than in the 60s, but arguably just as important to activists.
It's a different role than in the 60s, but arguably just as important to activists.
7. Anyway, I talk about this *at length* in my book (especially chapter 5), including how these dynamics shifted in Charlottesville and beyond.
In the meantime, keep an eye out for faith leaders in these demonstrations — and watch what they do. https://www.amazon.com/American-Prophets-Religious-Progressive-Politics/dp/0062935984
In the meantime, keep an eye out for faith leaders in these demonstrations — and watch what they do. https://www.amazon.com/American-Prophets-Religious-Progressive-Politics/dp/0062935984
8. Also, note: Clergy are not inherently protected from violence, and can fall victim to the same violence as demonstrators.
That has reportedly happened during recent demonstrations, and it happened in Ferguson too.
It often only strengthens their resolve — and their cred.
That has reportedly happened during recent demonstrations, and it happened in Ferguson too.
It often only strengthens their resolve — and their cred.
