Safe In His Arms : An Open Letter/Call to Action Concerning the Safety of Our Churches and Communities

To the Esteemed Pastors and Ministers and children of God, especially those of predominately black congregations in the southern states.

I write to you today with a heart burdened by concern. I remain confident in our ability to navigate challenges related to DEI and major socio-economic shifts due to policy and other factors. There are some difficult days ahead. However, my deepest worry lies in the potential for escalating violence fueled by extremistideologies trickling down to our local level.

As Trump and Musk takes a sledge hammer to America and Her citizens by dismantling agencies and signing dangerous policies, I am particularly troubled by the resurgence of groups like former Proud Boys members and other paramilitary organizations. These predominantly white, male groups espouse poisonous, overtly prejudiced views with racist and anti-Christian undertones. Groups like North Bama Brigade, 2119 Blood & Soil Crew, Patriot Front and others. Their recent demonstrations across the county are reminiscent ofm the unrest we witnessed in 2020. We would be wise to prepare for such events.

History teaches us that divisive administrations can embolden fanatics, both individuals and groups, who seek to instigate civil conflict or achieve notoriety through violence. While we have been fortunate to avoid such atrocities locally, our gratitude should not breed complacency. Instead, we must act as responsible stewards of the knowledge, resources, and people God has entrusted to us. We must be vigilant in protecting our flock. The Bible teaches us that we are to be watchful, prepared and intentional concerning the wellbeing of the congregation and communities we serve ( Psalm 82:3-4, Matthew 18:10, Jeremiah 22:16). Therefore, I propose that we, as ministers in our respective districts, unions and conferences (i.e. Town Creek\District, Macon Ministers Council,) unite to develop a comprehensive safety action plan. Resources and blueprints are available in this day and age that could help us to facilitate efficient organization and implementation, which we can tailor to the unique needs of our individual churches. Proper preparation will equip us to respond effectively when certain groups would attempt to infiltrate our communities and inflict harm. These plans must also address localized violence.

We can draw inspiration from models like The Deacons for Defense & Justice, an

organization of Black men formed during the Civil Rights era to protect Black communities and activists from Ku Klux Klan and police attacks. The Deacons did not provoke violence but stood firmly against it, armed and prepared to defend themselves if necessary. Given the rise of far-right wing marches in places like Ohio and Texas, the trends of an unraveling government, and our location in a rural, conservative state with a history of overt and covert violence against people of color, it is our duty as ministers of the gospel and shepherds of God's people to organize in a way that promotes love through protecting the weak and vulnerable among us. The chaotic political and social climate compels us to proactively strategize and mobilize in the event that we must defend our families, congregations, and

communities.

Imagine an assault on our communities in Macon County, and we have not moved to prepare for such a thing. Even if your local Sheriff's Department or police are organized, adequately staffed and corruption-free, it is OUR jobs to keep our people safe. We can unite and strategize, and once we as pastors and leaders are a unit and feel it is appropriate, then we collaborate with local agencies to be law-abiding and to maximize our ability to keep this community safe. There are models available that include training in organizing for safety and preparedness, self-defense classes, and even weapons training for those qualified. The Deacons’ formation was a direct result of an occurrence in Jonesboro,

Louisiana, in July 1964 when approximately 50 cars filled with hooded Klansmen paraded through a Black neighborhood. Sounds eerily like what happened in several parts of Ohio just last week when Far-Right militias marched through towns to instill fear and as a warning.

As the Ku Klux Klan motorcade, lit up by the assistant chief of police car in front, paraded through the neighborhood, the intruders yelled and cursed. In their wake, sheets of paper fluttered through the air before settling onto the unpaved road. Alarmed parents instructed their children to stay inside and away from windows. Once the cars moved on, neighbors gathered the litter from the streets. The KKK leaflets threatened retaliation if African-Americans engaged with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), a civil rights group that assisted Black communities withvoter registration and integration of public facilities. In other words, stay out ofpolitics and let white folks control legislation and resources, and you can stay Black and live. CORE arrived in Jonesboro earlier in this ‘Freedom Summer’ of 1964 and busied themselves organizing voter registration drives from within Black churches. They

also joined demonstrations to desegregate public accommodations, such as the restaurants and the community swimming pool. CORE’s presence, as well as the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, moved racial tensions to a new height. As you may know, that Act is now effectively frozen in time due to Trump administration executive orders. Alarmed by the motor parade and the threat against CORE, Black residents ran back to their homes to retrieve their shotguns and pistols. Some stayed behind to defend their property, while another group headed to the Freedom House, CORE’s lodging, and stood guard until daylight.

The birth of the Deacons in Louisiana came at a time when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was preaching nonviolent civil disobedience. However, Klan violence against Black neighborhoods in rural areas like Jonesboro was ramping up with frequent cross burnings, arsons, harassment, and murder. Armed self-defense seemed like the only option. They aren't burning crosses yet, but if you listen well, you can hear the white sheets unfolding and the hooves of horses coming in the distance. This is not to promote fear but to encourage faith; a faith that says if it is going to rain, then we must grab umbrellas. I know that some of you pastors feel that we should focus on the gun violence in our community and not Proud Boys. However, I must remind you of our necessary spiritual ambidexterity. We use both of our hands to tackle both issues.

Restorative, transformative programs for the youth and young men and women

who are inclined to violence. Programs bolstering conflict resolution and decision-making. Programs lifting their spirits to Christ and aligning their actions to benefit their fellow man. And, with the other hand, at the same time, we prepare and ready our able and willing men to adopt programming helping to train in multi-faceted approaches to protect and defend churches and communities. I don't think I have to mention how important safety protocols and defense is in church, with Emmanuel AME being fresh in our minds, even with it being 10 years ago in June. The Emanuel A.M.E. Church had survived antebellum laws barring Black worship, an angry white mob that burned down its original edifice, and the execution of its founder and dozens of others planning a slave revolt...then to have a white gunman fatally shoot nine of its members in present-day, including the head pastor, during Bible study is just unimaginable. But it happened. We can and should pray. But if we have the Bible in one hand, may we have a sword in the other for the safety of our people, spirit, soul, and body.

Brothers and sisters, the time for deliberation has passed. Now is the time for action. We stand at a crossroads. We can wring our hands and hope for the best, or we can choose to become architects of our own safety. Let us not be paralyzed by fear, nor blinded by complacency. But be driven by faith and act with resolve. Let it be said that in this critical hour, the ministers and pastors of the Town Creek District chose not to stand idly by while darkness threatened to engulf our communities. Let it be said that we chose to organize, to strategize, and to equip ourselves to protect the most vulnerable among us. We must be able to say, "Here i am Lord, send me." Note that our actions now (or inaction) will echo

through generations, shaping the future of our churches and the safety of our communities.

May we always remember the words of Proverbs 31:8-9: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. I love you all with the love of Christ, and I pray for your thoughtful consideration of this urgent matter.

In His Service,

Joshua A. Lewis

Pastor, Light City (Notasulga, AL)