Dye: Confederate flag must come down the right way: in unity

South Carolina faces the most precarious risks and opportunities of the past 150 years. The question is no longer, “Will the flag come down?” The question is, “How will it come down?”

How will South Carolina and our nation be affected by its removal? Will we be more politically polarized by it? Will the race-baiting charlatans on both sides win the day to gain more power? Will the extremist KKK and New Black Panthers threaten using violence to further spread fear and divide us?

The risks are high. But can wisdom and grace arise in our midst?

The families Emanuel A.M.E Church in Charleston have responded to the Charleston massacre with such grace and wisdom through their calm, forgiving response. The many leaders of traditionally white churches and S.C. denominations likewise have responded with grief, love, respect and unity.

Let me make it clear: Those of African heritage are not second-class citizens. They are not a second-tier race of humans.

From a Christian standpoint, God “made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth” (Acts 17:26). Likewise, to denigrate blacks (or whites) is to tear down those who have been created “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27).

South Carolina has an obligation to work together so that the dignity of each person is recognized and respect for each person is shown regardless of skin color.

Solving the ills of our society won’t be easy. We don’t need riots. We don’t need to scream past one another. We need humility. It will take work. We need those who will work with the integrity, conviction and the passion of a William Wilberforce, who worked for the abolition of slavery in the British Empire without a shot being fired. America lacked such a man, and slavery was abolished with the blood of more than 600,000 men.

Unity won’t just happen through one episode of holding hands and singing campfire songs. It is time to work together, pray together and persevere together for better understanding of one another and solving the most pressing needs of our society.

Where will we find such selfless, humble, godly statesmen to lead us? Please step forward, wherever you are.

Macedonia Baptist Church

Columbia

This story was originally published July 6, 2015 at 7:13 PM.