Consider This from NPR: A Pastor's Sermons on Social Justice Causes Conflict Among Congregation

Release Date: January 31, 2025
Host: Sascha Pfeiffer
Podcast: Consider This by NPR

1. Bishop Mary Ann Buddy's Controversial Sermon

The episode opens with Episcopal Bishop Mary Ann Buddy delivering a poignant sermon at the Washington National Cathedral shortly after President Donald Trump's second inauguration. Addressing themes of fear and persecution, Bishop Buddy directly appeals to the president:

Bishop Mary Ann Buddy (00:00): "In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared. Now there are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives."

Her sermon continues with a heartfelt plea for compassion towards immigrants facing the threat of deportation under the new administration:

Bishop Mary Ann Buddy (00:47): "I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away."

The direct address to President Trump and the focus on marginalized communities sparked significant reactions across social media and national news platforms. The backlash from Trump supporters was swift and vehement, with voices of dissent emerging prominently. Lorenzo Sewell, pastor of Detroit's non-denominational 180church and a speaker at the Republican National Convention, expressed his dismay on Fox News:

Lorenzo Sewell (01:14): "I could not believe that she would use that moment to speak a demonic message as if she was using the Bible. She used her platform to practice theological malpractice. It was horrible. It was the worst message I've ever been in in my life."

2. Internal Struggles at Myers Park Baptist Church

Transitioning from national reactions, the episode delves into a localized conflict within a liberal-leaning church in Charlotte, North Carolina—Myers Park Baptist Church. Despite its rich history in civil rights, the church recently ousted its pastor, Ben Boswell, igniting debates on the role of social justice in religious communities.

Background on Pastor Ben Boswell:

Pastor Boswell, known for his fervent advocacy for racial and social justice, sought to transform the church's approach to inclusivity. He emphasized confronting "whiteness" within the church structure, aiming to decolonize its practices:

Pastor Ben Boswell (03:40): "Pastor Ben Boswell says he was determined for Myers Park Baptist Church to confront its whiteness."

Deacon Robert Doolin echoed these sentiments during an online anti-racism seminar:

Deacon Robert Doolin (03:50): "We have a wedding policy that has been described by our current chair of deacons as WASPy. Our space as a church, very colonialist in style, and it needs some decolonization. We're going to be in a constant process of doing what I call a whiteness audit."

Despite Boswell's progressive initiatives, he faced resistance from some congregants. Instances include demands to remove Black Lives Matter signs from the church premises, showcasing the tension between forward-thinking leadership and traditionalist members:

Pastor Ben Boswell (04:08): "Boswell says he ran into resistance from congregants who, for instance, told him to take down Black Lives Matter signs. Boswell persisted."

The Turning Point: Ousting of Pastor Boswell

In a decisive move, the church's Board of Deacons convened via Zoom and voted overwhelmingly (173-0) to request Boswell's resignation. The primary reasons cited were declining attendance and perceived mismanagement:

Deacon Robert Doolin (05:36): "We gotta put more butts in the seats. Butts in the seats, butts in the seats. Everything else is just jaw flapping."

Additionally, the financial strain was palpable as the church's budget had dwindled by nearly a quarter since Boswell's tenure began in 2016:

Bishop Mary Ann Buddy (05:23): "We have gone from approximately 350 members attending on average each week at service in 2016 when Ben arrived, to approximately 150 members attending on average each week in 2024."

Diverse Congregational Reactions:

The decision to remove Boswell polarized the congregation. Supporters mourned the loss of his visionary leadership, while detractors felt alienated by his emphasis on social justice issues. Lorenzo Sewell, representing a faction of the congregation, underscored the discord:

Lorenzo Sewell (07:11): "It will be very difficult for us to continue to sell the narrative that we are this inclusive, open to all, one welcoming, growing community, when what will come out is that we snatch the keys from the 10-year minister who had been pushing us to confront whiteness, to challenge racial justice in our community."

Conversely, others expressed exhaustion over what they perceived as an overemphasis on progressive causes at the expense of pastoral care:

Deacon Allen Davis (05:59): "I'm tired of being indicted because I'm white. I'm tired of being banged over the head every week about immigrants and LGBTQ. And I just want to come to church and be encouraged."

Personal Stories Reflecting Division:

Individual congregants voiced their feelings of betrayal and division. Bruce Griffin, a warehouse worker in Charlotte, recounted his disillusionment:

Bruce Griffin (08:32): "I feel the church betrayed me. I feel the congregation betrayed me. Just today at this Meeting some of the same people that I feel betrayed me came in and it was straight to business. There was no hugging. There was no. No fellowship."

Another member, Elizabeth Peterson, shared her sense of exclusion and her contemplation of leaving:

Elizabeth Peterson (09:21): "I wished that he could have brought his energy for diversity and for change of the culture of the church and included us to come with him."

3. Broader Implications and National Trends

The conflict at Myers Park Baptist Church serves as a microcosm of the larger national debates surrounding social justice and diversity initiatives. Deacon Robert Doolin highlighted the challenges faced by institutions attempting to balance progressive values with traditional congregational expectations:

Deacon Robert Doolin (10:06): "When you've been the dominant culture for so long, focus and attention on anyone who's been marginalized feels like a slight against you."

Pastor Boswell emphasized that the situation at Myers Park reflects a nationwide pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs:

Pastor Ben Boswell (10:24): "He says the conflict at Myers park is part of a much bigger national trend to roll back things like diversity, equity, and inclusion programs."

Former board member Bob Thomason provided insight into the church's struggles in balancing social justice with pastoral care:

Bob Thomason (10:44): "Most of us, all of us, are very supportive of social justice, but for some people, being able to focus on social justice, it would be a welcome luxury because they have alcoholic spouses, they have children that are addicted, they have cancer, they have these personal needs."

Despite the internal strife, the church leaders assert their commitment to continuing their mission of racial and social justice, even as they navigate the aftermath of Boswell's departure.

4. Conclusion

This episode of Consider This from NPR provides a comprehensive look into the fraught intersection of faith, leadership, and social justice within American religious communities. Through the lens of Myers Park Baptist Church’s internal conflict, the podcast elucidates the broader societal debates on inclusivity, diversity, and the role of religious institutions in advocating for marginalized populations. The featured narratives and firsthand accounts underscore the complexities and emotional toll of navigating progressive reforms within established communities.

Produced by Elena Burnett and edited by Katherine Laidlaw and Jeanette Woods. Executive Producer: Sammy Yenigun.