Free! Series

February is Black History month and much is made of it in the public school district in which I teach. Rightfully so. Lessons focused on African-Americans who made significant contributions to our daily life and collective culture mark the classroom. Assemblies with speakers acclaiming the virtures of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglas and even Louis Armstrong call us all together.

But one voice remains mute. One vital constant in the racial equations routinely goes uncalculated. The place of spirituality, especially Christian spirituality in changing race relations and policy for the better.

So every February, we on the West Side look at the role of Christianity and in particular the Wesleyan branch of the family in these matters.

First we will look at "Free from Chains: Slavery and the Church." My denomination has a rich heritage in the abolitionist movement of the early 1800's, work with the Underground Railroad connecting runaway slaves with freedom and "missionary" work in the pre-Civil War south. These experiences grew out of an understanding from Scripture that God loves everyone and never planned for anyone to be kidnapped, violently mistreated and enslaved for life.

Second we will look at "Free to Serve: Womens' Ministry." The Womens' Sufferage (right to vote) movement began in the Seneca Falls Wesleyan Methodist Church in July 19-20, 1848. Luther Lee, a Wesleyan Methodist pastor, preached and conducted the first Ordination service for a woman in the United States in 1853. A wholistic view of Scripture and church history point to using everyone to achieve the Great Commission. Women are free to serve Christ and His church!

Last, we will look at "Free to Live: Temperance and Addiction." Wesleyans have historically been "Teetotallers." While never a popular position, even during Prohibition (which we worked very hard to see achieved) it addresses the topic sensibly. The major factor for continuing this stance for me is the connection I have to the many on the West Side who struggle with an addiction they never intended to start. If two beers is legally drunk, why drink at all?

Look for more detailed postings and reflections from now until LENT 2012 begins Wednesday, February 22.