I feel the responsibility to repent and apologize for racism. Not everyone is a racist. Some who are accused of being a racist are not; some who deny it, are. Few people admit to being racist.
Regardless, there is a lot of racism on display in our world today. I have seldom been a victim but I have, without doubt, been a perpetrator. For those times, I am sincerely sorry. Due to insensitivity, a lack of exposure, and plain ignorance, it is easy to be unfair to others. Sometimes emotional pain, unforgiveness and bittnerness results in hatred for other people. My sincere desire is to treat everyone with respect and honor. When I fail in this area, I need God to help me.
But I am also sorry that some people openly practice racism with no sense of guilt. I am convinced that some of them don’t think their words and activities are racist. But they appear to take delight in hurting innocent people with their brazen prejudice. While they may never apologize to those they’ve hurt, perhaps it will help a victim if someone else does.
So, for those of you who have been called names, for those who have been treated unfairly because of your race, if you’ve ever been overlooked, ignored, ridiculed or marginalized because of the color of your skin, I am truly sorry. You are my family and friends. If you’ve been hurt, we’ve all been hurt. While you have taken the brunt of the pain and feel it more deeply than I, everyone is suffering the effects of racism. It’s terrible, and we should all be sorry that it happens. We should all repent and apologize for the sin of racism (unless we have never been guilty). And we should all work to try to end racism.
As a Christian who is expected to love everyone, I have a calling. As a leader who is responsible to influence others, I have a responsibility. As a white man, I have an opportunity. As a human being, I have an obligation. As a minister of the Gospel and a representative of God’s Kingdom on earth, I will give an account to Him.
Let’s end racism.
Perhaps this apology doesn’t help but it is worth a try. Someone must do something to try to bring healing to the races.
God help us.
Thoughts on Life and Leading 
This is such an excellent post! I feel the same way. Thank you for being sensitive to the way we can be so blind in the way we see people who are different from us.
Thank you Patrice. We have so much work to do…
Well said. In times like these the evils of racism can only be staunched when we are willing to look deep within ourselves. Racism ultimately is an individual choice, and only individuals can defeat it. I join my sorrow and repentance with yours.
Thank you Rick
Blessings sir!
A very honest, brave post! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on a sensitive subject. And, yes, God help us!
To lead well is to lead in the right direction. Bishop, this is leading in the right direction. Well done!
Thank you friend.