By Karon Majeel

The Black church has long-played a pivotal role in the struggle for justice and equality for the African-American community. This month, as America prepares to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his accomplishments as a pastor turned activist, a look at the changes in church activism in the 21st century seems appropriate.

The Rev. John L. Thompson, pastor, Park Hill United Methodist Church, gave a first-hand account of the changes in church activism. Thompson moved to Denver from Atlanta, and matured during the civil rights movement.

“Historically, there were few other places for Blacks to gather and have voice. Their church was the one thing that many in the Black community could claim as their own – free and clear,” explained Thompson who credited the turbulent climate in the South during the civil rights era for forcing the clergy to embrace activism.

“Jim Crow was in your face,” he said, “so (pastors) couldn’t help but get involved. Ministers had to ‘re-read’ their Bibles and seek a new inspiration, to hear the words of Isaiah calling for righteousness and unity.” 

Thompson acknowledged, however, that the 21st century church faces challenges beyond traditional expressions and must partner with local and national civic and political leaders to address the disparities in America. When asked to comment on divisions in the faith community, as evidenced by the opposing views among people of faith on Amendment 43 and Referendum I on the November 2006 ballot – both dealing with same-sex relationships – Thompson took a historical view.

“The pendulum is swinging,” offered Thompson. “It swung to the right and now it’s swinging back to the middle.” 

Denver’s Catholic Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said the passage of Amendment 43 which defined marriage as between a man and a woman, and the defeat of Referendum I which sought to create a legal relationship between same sex domestic partners, represented a positive message. “We weren’t against anybody,” he explained. “The debate over same sex marriage and domestic partnerships was secondary to the task of protecting marriage and the family.”

Thompson wondered aloud if the faith community isn’t experiencing another “Dark Ages,” similar to the 13th century Spanish Inquisition, in which many of their faith were persecuted for their beliefs. Thompson said he embraces dialogue between those with diverse beliefs and lifestyles, otherwise he believed, “we reduce God to only loving those we love, and hating those we hate.”

The Denver Archdiocese, like the Black church, supports church activism in civil rights issues, including racial discrimination and homelessness. “The specific issues change over time, according to the circumstances of society,” Thompson said. “But any issue that deals with basic human rights and dignity should take priority.”   

In Greeley, Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church has become a focal point for comfort and assistance to Hispanic and Latino families, after U. S. Customs and Immigration (ICE) raids at the Swift & Co meat processing plant in that community December 12. Greeley’s Hispanic community also is receiving support from communities of faith in Denver.

“It’s terrible when people lose faith in their government,” lamented Fidel "Butch" Montoya, coordinator of Confianza, a group of Latino pastors, and Denver's former manager of public safety. Montoya has remained “in constant touch,” either by phone or email with people in Greeley affected by the government’s actions.

“We’re looking at the bigger picture,” explained Montoya, “and we’re also working with national Latino civil rights organizations to make sure all the rights of all workers at the plant are protected.” 

The government action in Greeley has also reinforced the bonds between Denver’s Black and Brown faith communities. Montoya affirmed Dr. King’s belief that injustice anywhere fosters injustice everywhere and said he is already working closely with Rev. Paul Burleson, pastor, Friendship Baptist Church and president of the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance. Montoya has also received an email of support – and prayers – from Rev. Gil Caldwell, former pastor at Park Hill United Methodist. 
 
In recognition of the need to embrace diverse cultures, the Denver archdiocese also operates Hispanic and Black Catholic Ministries in Denver. Both ministries advocate the integration of Black and Hispanic Catholics “into their rightful place in the Church of the diocese,” according to their Websites.
At Epworth Methodist Church, however, Pastor King Harris simply refers back to the Bible.

“We’re definitely a ‘Matthew 10’ church – go gather to the lost sheep,” said a smiling Harris, The church has a small congregation – less than 200 members – but offers a wide array of ministries from food banks to clothing drives to AIDS awareness to a golf tournament and revival dance ministry.

Church activism in the 21st century also reflects the diversity of thought among believers. The Samaritan House homeless shelter in Lo-Do offers residents a non-traditional, weekly Life Skills class. For the past four years Chet Sisk has listened to the stories of his students, helping them find their inner power while respecting all higher powers. He eventually compiled their stories – along with his own testimony – into a book titled Seven Steps to Success I Learned from the Homeless.

And faith-based activism in Denver isn’t limited to Christian churches. The Northeast Denver Mosque is committed to advancing AIDS awareness to Denver’s entire African-American community, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. On February 7 Brother Jeff’s Community Health Initiative will present:  “Get Tested; Get Treated; Get Involved,” a one-day HIV/AIDS conference featuring Andre W. Rawls, HIV/AIDS Section Chief, Illinois Department of Public Health.