The right Wright decision
Today I'm proud to be a graduate of Brite Divinity School, which has affirmed its decision to recognize Jeremiah Wright's ministry at this month's State of the Black Church awards banquet.I don't know that God would damn America, as Rev. Wright suggested God ought, but the Holy One surely grieves the nation's racist history and the blood-stained wealth that continues to influence its cultures, politics, and educational institutions.
Recognizing the need to interpret Wright's statements with context, audience, and rhetorical intent in mind, Brite has made a courageous and just decision.
I am disappointed by TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini's statement distancing the university from the award.
(Now . . . if someone could just help Brite re-write its public response so the lede isn't buried and it doesn't sound so academic . . . .
I'd tend to say something like:
Brite is recognizing Dr. Wright for his forty-year ministry linking divine justice and social justice.
This is work that Brite seeks to further through its mission of educating women
and men—through its programs of instruction, research and scholarship, and other
forms of church and community service—for the ministry, witness, and outreach of the church of Jesus Christ in the world.Brite does not endorse all of the statements or views of any of the church leaders recognized by the Divinity School.
But after careful review of Rev. Wright's statements, and understanding the sincere concerns many have voiced in response to recent media reports, Brite affirms the Black Church Studies Program’s decision, made months ago, to recognize the contributions of the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. at the fourth Annual State of the Black Church Awards Banquet.)
.: Posted by Duane Bidwell on Wednesday, March 19, 2008