Stop Calling it “Affirmative Action”
In the sacred tapestry of Holy Scripture, we find woven threads of compassion, justice, and an unwavering call to uplift the marginalized. The Book of Proverbs, a treasure trove of wisdom, reminds us, "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done" (Proverbs 19:17). This divine mandate, echoing through the annals of time, beckons us to confront the systemic racism that has ensnared our society, particularly as it pertains to our African American brothers and sisters.
The plight of African Americans is not merely a product of individual prejudice but is deeply rooted in systemic racism—a pervasive evil that has, for centuries, denied them equitable opportunities. This systemic racism, a malevolent force that perpetuates poverty and oppression, is antithetical to the teachings of Christ and the values enshrined in the Book of Common Prayer and the Bible. As Proverbs 14:31 elucidates, "Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." To oppress, whether through overt actions or the perpetuation of unjust systems, is to dishonor the very essence of our Creator.
The Book of Deuteronomy, in its profound wisdom, offers a poignant reflection on our responsibilities toward the marginalized: "If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs" (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). This passage, resonating with the ethos of the Episcopal tradition, underscores the importance of dismantling barriers that perpetuate poverty and injustice.
We should support policies designed to redress the imbalances birthed by centuries of systemic racism. But we should stop calling them “Affirmative Action”—a politicized term that has allowed the bigoted to keep oppressive structures in place. This type of policy, in fact, aligns seamlessly with this biblical mandate. To retract such a policy is to be "hardhearted" and "tightfisted," denying African Americans the tools they need to thrive in a society that has historically marginalized them. The Book of Common Prayer, in its call for social justice, implores us to "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being." To end affirmative action is to disregard this sacred call, empowering the very structures of systemic racism we are biblically mandated to dismantle.
Furthermore, if we recognize systemic racism as a manifestation of evil, then any act that perpetuates it, including the cessation of policies that fight systemic racism, aligns with the forces that oppose divine goodness. It is not merely a political or social issue; it is a spiritual battle against the very forces of darkness and oppression. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world" (Ephesians 6:12).
In the Episcopal tradition, we are called to be beacons of light, champions of justice, and stewards of God's love. Our liturgy, steeped in the richness of the Book of Common Prayer, beckons us to challenge the status quo, to confront the evils of systemic racism, and to uphold policies that seek to redress historical injustices. To do otherwise is to stray from the path of righteousness and to forsake our sacred duty to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God" (Micah 6:8).
As devout Episcopalians, we must recognize the profound interconnectedness of scripture, liturgy, and social justice. This is not merely a political stance but a profound expression of our faith, a testament to our commitment to embodying Christ's love in a world yearning for justice and equity.