I am so incredibly tired. The deluge of rising White nationalism, of anti-immigrant racism, of transphobic and homophobic rhetoric, policies and practices has left me totally exhausted. There are so many—too many—events and terrors for me to have the bandwidth to track and respond to each one.
When I heard that a White Supremacist group had recently gathered in Millarville, Alberta, to hold rallies and military-style training events, I was horrified! I must admit that my primary feeling was exhaustion. Becoming an anti-racist denomination is hard and soul-filled work. It brings no applause, no bonuses, no prestige—instead, it often brings sleepless nights, and a sense of gaining inches when there are many miles to go.
I am deeply saddened that racism, racist policies, racist attitudes and racist beliefs persist in our society and church. I am filled with righteous anger when people with racist beliefs gather to intimidate, terrorize, and equip themselves with vitriolic wrath.
This isn't just an Alberta issue. These meetings are taking place across the country, covertly, and documented in places such as Halifax, NS; as well as the Caledonia, Niagara, and northern regions of Ontario.
I am heartbroken, along with all those who feel fear, exclusion, and the harms caused by systemic racism in our society.
But, friend-reader, I am very, very tired, and at this particular moment, I am asking, are you out there, ally? I have offered anti-racism training in the Chinook Winds Regional Council for years, co-coordinated and supported a First Third anti-racism conference, work on national anti-racism initiatives—and, still, I often feel very lonely.
About the White Supremacists gathering in Millarville and across Canada: What are you, church, going to do about it? White clergy, what will you preach? White person in the pews, how will you conduct yourself? Your Black, Indigenous, Asian, and racialized neighbours, clergy, loved ones, and staff are tired.
Chris Mah Poy is the First Third Ministry, Justice and Community of Faith Networks Coordinator for Chinook Winds Regional Council. He offers anti-racism training for communities of faith.
- Action Dignity is ethnocultural, community and anti-racism non-profit in the City of Calgary. They offer anti-racism workshops and training opportunities; Systems-Led Anti-Racism Education | ActionDignity
- If you would like to learn more about The United Church of Canada's Anti-Racism Journey visit: Anti-racism | The United Church of Canada
The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.