After decades of bitter debate over whether the Confederate battle flag is a proud symbol of regional heritage or a shameful emblem of this nation’s most grievous sins, the argument may finally be moving toward an end.
South Carolina is leading the way for other states, as it considers removing the flag from its capitol grounds in the wake of a horrific racial hate crime.
The historical poignancy is heavy and resonant, given that the killings last week of nine African Americans took place in a church basement just a few miles from where the first shots of the Civil War were exchanged in 1861. Photos that have since surfaced of the accused killer, Dylann Roof, show him posing with the Confederate flag.
I once heard it explained that ‘turning the other cheek’ did not mean offering the other side of our face to an attacker to injure, but reflected following God in saying to His people, I will not allow my face to be turned away from you by your injury of me, but will call again for you to turn and repent. Turning the other cheek is not a sign of weakness, but one of incredible strength displayed by a loving father to us His children, and we are to do the same,
It is all very sad – for a brief moment, a remarkable Christian witness came out of South Carolina, loud and clear as the families of the victims bore witness to their faith by publicly, one after another, forgiving Dylann Roof to his face, and living out the words of Jesus: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” It was the most powerful testament to our faith I have seen in recent years and it shocked and then encouraged all who watched as the video was broadcast across the world.
The congregation and minister at Emanuel AME on Sunday said that while there are things which they will fight for and need doing, for this time, the focus must be upon supporting the families and the recovery and healing of the church and that was their wish for this particular time.
Over the past few days the cry has gone up: ‘something must be done’, and so war memorials have been vandalised, attention turned away from the church and towards flags in cemeteries, and on Friday President Obama like others will ride into town on his high horse, wagging his finger, as Peggy Noonan put it.
I am not saying that something does not need to be done, but it is very sad that the remarkable gracious witness to a God who shows us a better way bringing healing and good news into South Carolina and across the world is being shouted over and the insistent still small voice is no longer being listened to. Instead the focus has turned to flags and guns and hate, and the concerns of this world, just as Dylann Roof had hoped for.
Yes, Pageantmaster, and the worst part is that the “something must be done” crowd are overwhelming the clear witness of Charleston citizens of all races in the face of this horrific act. NOBODY supported the shooting. NOBODY said, “It was terrible, but …” Black and white, all came together to mourn and to express love and concern.