Statement by the Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane on racism in Maine

November 21, 2008

Events in Standish, Mount Desert Island, and Gray-New Gloucester over the past few weeks have demonstrated that, sadly, racism continues to be present in Maine.  The Episcopal Church in Maine has long history of supporting the civil rights of all people.  We, members of the 66 year-round congregations across the State of Maine, pledge to work to eliminate racism wherever we find it in society and invite all people to join us in the work for justice, reconciliation and unity.

With the economy in crisis, with the vastly fluctuating cost of energy, with our nation engaged in two wars, we live in an environment of uncertainty and fear.  At times like these, it is not uncommon that our hearts turn in fear towards those who are different from us. That fear sometimes translates into violence which in turn creates more fear.  The Episcopal Church in Maine believes its task is to cast aside that fear - even though we, too, may feel it - and work to help our neighbors in the struggles that we all face in these times.  The hope within us empowers us to welcome the stranger, visit the sick, feed the hungry and take care of those whose need is great, each in our own community.

In 2002, the Episcopal House of Bishops issued a pastoral letter on racism which said, in part: "The sin of racism perpetuates a basic untruth which claims the superiority of one group of people over others because of the color of their skin, their cultural history, their tribal affiliation, or their ethnic identity. This lie distorts the biblical understanding of God's action in creation, wherein all human beings are made 'in the image of God.' [Genesis 1:27]  It blasphemes the ministry of Christ who died for all people, 'so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.' [John 3:16] It divides people from one another and gives false permission for oppression and exploitation."

The covenant Episcopalians make at our baptism asks us,  "Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

And the response is, "I will, with God's help."

May we as Episcopalians, as people of faith, and as Mainers work toward those goals.

The Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane
Bishop of Maine