Last week, as part of a year-long parish program on race and racism, a beloved African-American parishioner shared with us a quote from Shirley Chisholm who once said to Bella Abzug, “Until you really feel as angry about this as I do, ain’t nothing gonna change.”

I know we’re all hurting and frustrated and angry about the injustices that have been revealed, once again, in the lives of our sisters and brothers of color.

This is nothing new, but the curtain that hides so much racism and violence and degradation and inequality from the eyes of white people has been torn apart for all the world to see this week. I encourage your anger. I encourage my own anger.

We may not be able to feel it at such a visceral level as our friends and fellow parishioners of color who fear for the very safety of their children and grandchildren every time they leave the house. We have that privilege.

But as white people, we must speak out when we see and encounter racism. It’s not easy; it’s uncomfortable; it won’t make us popular in certain circles; it may go against our perceived self-interest.

But when we do stand up for racial justice, that’s the Holy Spirit at work. And only the Spirit burning hot within our souls, can exact real change. That’s what’s on my mind this #Pentecost.