Lowery challenges church to 'get up and get in the way'

By Ethel McCane
Special to the Hoosier UM News

INDIANAPOLIS -- "Stir up -- rekindle -- fan into flame, the gift of God that is within you," the Rev. Joseph E. Lowery vibrantly challenged the more than 700 banquet attendees seated before him at a downtown Indianapolis Hyatt Regency, April 12.

Dr. Lowery -- who delivered the keynote address for the closing event of the 35th Annual Meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) -- reminded listeners that the Church has a commitment to be the "conscience of the world." Quoting from I Peter 2:9, the speaker told the primarily-African-American audience "you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness -- into the marvelous light."

Elaborating on the issue of racial profiling, its negative impact and the need for "positive" profiling, Lowery shared his perspective. "Profiling in this country is an attempt to define us. But 'we' must define us," said the preacher and social activist.

Amid several rounds of applause, Lowery reminded those in the audience of how far African-Americans have come, through trials and tribulations, and that this is not the time to rest on laurels. "Our profile moves beyond individual achievements. Black presence has demonstrated the power of the human spirit to translate adversity into opportunity," commented Lowery.

Lowery also spoke on the events arising out of the Sept. 11 tragedy, the recent rekindling of patriotism and the history of African-American patriotism. "We have demonstrated what authentic patriotism is all about," he remarked. "At every turn, we have challenged our country but we have also loved our country so much that we have been prepared to die for her salvation. From Crispus Attucks to Colin Powell, we too, have been the nation's patriots."

Lowery, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, shared his experiences during the civil rights movement and his views about world peace, stating that the Church must cry out for peace and encourage a "balanced approach" on foreign affairs.

Reflecting on domestic issues, the speaker of the hour challenged the several hundred convention attendees who had come from across the country, advising them to not be silent about society's decaying values. "We have deserted the good spouse of spirituality," said Lowery. "We are shacking up with the prostitute of materialism and greed. It is producing offspring with congenital defects: sexism, racism, addiction to drugs, violence, economical and political exploitation. We must turn back toward that prayerful posture."

"That is the call to the Church today. We must work for job training, livable wages, health and retirement insurance. Church, the power [of God] is coming down. Get up and get in the way, Black Methodists! Your power is coming down. How long will you tarry in the valley of indecision. Get up. and get in the way," concluded Lowery.

Throughout his ministry, Lowery, whose last charge before retirement was Cascade UMC, in Atlanta, has been an advocate for justice and a catalyst for change. He is a co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and served as the organization's president for many years.

According to organizers, this year's BMCR's national meeting, which took place April 10-3, was one of the largest ever held. The conference kicked off with a mid-day worship service, and an evening Communion service led by Indiana Bishop Woodie W. White with participation from the 13 other African-American bishops across the General Conference and a 100-voice mass choir. Other activities included several workshops on such topics as advancing technology, HIV/AIDs and the Church, and leadership strategies for ministry.

Ethel McCane is a freelance writer and a United Methodist living in Indianapolis.

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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