UBCL Seeks to Improve Race Relations
Diocesan Press Service. May 21, 1970 [87-7]
GREENWICH, Conn. -- The Union of Black Clergy and Laity of the Episcopal Church has offered its organization as a resource for black Churchmen to enter into dialogue with whites in order to improve race relations in the Church and in society. The Union membership is made up of ordained and lay Episcopalians.
The Very Rev. Fred B. Williams, president of UBCL, and the Rev. James E. P. Woodruff, executive director, appeared before the Executive Council at its May meeting to explain the hopes and goals of the organization.
Fr. Williams said that the fundamental assumption of UBCL is that "we are one people. "
This was amplified by Fr. Woodruff who said that this is a disintegrated society which creates a serious problem in the family and in the Church. He said blacks and young people have "just about abandoned the Church. "
The Union leaders said the blacks wanted to help by entering into the political process on all levels and pointed out that the basic problem is that of citizenship, of blacks being co-equal with whites from the very beginning in the planning and decision-making process.
Fr. Woodruff said that recently a seminary had planned a seminar on black problems, but did not call on the UBCL until after the plans had been made.
"We were insulted," he said, "as we were told what we were expected to say. So we said nothing. "
He said the UBCL is a resource for groups planning a black/white dialogue, but that the black Churchmen expected to be in on the planning, and not be called upon after the fact.
The Union has written a budget proposal which is being considered by four program sections of the Executive Council for funding over the next three years.
At its May meeting, Executive Council approved a $30, 000 grant to the UBCL from the General Convention Special Program. This is the third grant from that source which UBCL has received. The funds are used, along with membership dues, to finance an executive office.
Fr. Woodruff said of the General Convention Special Program that it had established good relationships with the groups it has funded.
"It has a pastoral relationship with these groups. There are many community organizations which are not pleased with organizations from which funds have been received," he said.
One Council member asked about dialogue with black militants. He said it was difficult for whites to talk with militants, and he wondered if the UBCL would help bridge the gap.
Fr. Williams said: "The whole of black America is militant, hostile and angry, so you are talking about all of us when you use the word 'militant'. Militancy may not be expressed in the same way, but in our hearts we feel that way."
Fr. Woodruff said that UBCL wants to provide a way to change the structure of the Church in order to have more blacks in leadership roles.
"Hatred doesn't help anything," he said, "we want to change the political structure in order to prevent hatred. "
The UBCL leader predicted that if "we go one step backward from South Bend and Seattle (sites of the last two General Conventions of the Church) we will see a massive disaffection of blacks and youth, creative people, who will form a new Church, rather than leaving the Church altogether."
Executive Council members gave a standing ovation to the UBCL leaders after the hour and a half presentation.