The Recent Accusation of Racism Against the UPCI

Charnock · #1 10-15-2018, 09:18 PM

I was once very active here under a variety of usernames. My participation level decreased dramatically after I left the UPC, then Oneness Pentecostalism, a few years ago. I have written extensively against some of the doctrines of the UPCI-especially those related to standards and soteriology. Many of those articles remain online.

With that preface out of the way I'll get to the point of my post.

I watched the video alleging racism and read many of the comments which followed. I then read Superintendent Bernard's response which was posted as a release on the organization's website.

I have no doubt racism exists. I have no doubt ignorance exists. I also have no doubt that social media is often more of a curse than a blessing. Many people choose sides after only one side of an issue is posted. They dig in on an issue before hearing the WHOLE matter. This is true of accusations of sexual harassment, spiritual abuse, and even conversations that may or may not have taken place.

Though I am very happy with my life, and my choice to leave the movement, in hindsight I now regret using social media to air some of my grievances. Reason being people with axes to grind hijacked my story, using it for their own unrelated purposes.

We live in an age where people rate churches online as they would a restaurant, which is revolting. Others treat those ratings as truth. How sad.

I feel for the aggrieved couple, and pray they find belonging and healing.

And though I never thought I'd empathize with the UPCI again, I do. I pray that God can work this for their good.

Finally, I hate social media. Truly. Deeply. Madly.

Evang.Benincasa · #2 10-16-2018, 06:21 AM

I agree.

Airing one’s laundry on forums has been an issue for awhile. It is usually one sided. The other side is rarely heard because of their unwillingness to get into a hair pulling contest with their critics. This allows the critics to have the floor to the point of outrageous lunacy. The haters gather like wolves around the wounded, and close in to shred the victim. But that is part and parcel of religion. It’s teams, choosing sides. It’s a bad divorce and the children who sadly were the last to know are made to feel they need to choose sides. Social media gets everyone involved, the haters, and the heros. Truth usually slips out the back door and its presence is never missed.

Amanah · #3 10-16-2018, 06:57 AM

FPC Florida is multiracial.

Florida district has planted 52 daughter works.

Last Friday night at youth quake we the young people prayed at the altar till late into the night and ignored the service being dismissed. (a multiracial crowd without doubt)

Let the haters hate and the doubters and doubt. God will sort it all out.

Originalist · #4 10-16-2018, 07:11 AM

I have not seen the video, but I'd be curious to know what constitutes "racism" in the minds of the critics. Truthfully, I think false accusations of racism are a greater problem now than racism itself. Thus, I admit that I am usually skeptical from the start when such accusations are made.

aegsm76 · #5 10-16-2018, 08:44 AM

I have never seen "racism" in the UPCI.
I have seen many pastors trying to make their churches more multi-cultural.
And most that do so, succeed.
I was raised in a church that was a mixture of white and indian.
We fellowshipped with the local PAW church which was mostly black.
And we never had a problem.
My old home church is now very multi-cultural with people of all colors and from all over the globe.

Originalist · #6 10-16-2018, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aegsm76

I have never seen "racism" in the UPCI.
I have seen many pastors trying to make their churches more multi-cultural.
And most that do so, succeed.
I was raised in a church that was a mixture of white and indian.
We fellowshipped with the local PAW church which was mostly black.
And we never had a problem.
My old home church is now very multi-cultural with people of all colors and from all over the globe.

Having been affiliated with several Pentecostal fellowships (trinity and oneness) I concur with your perception of the UPCI. It is by far the most racially diverse fellowship I've ever seen. I believe rallying around the doctrine creates a racially transcendent unity not seen in churches that tend to downplay doctrine.

n david · #7 10-16-2018, 10:51 AM

http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com...ad.php?t=52841

Original thread regarding issue...

Originalist · #8 10-16-2018, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n david

http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com...ad.php?t=52841

Original thread regarding issue...

This is not "racism". Again, this broad definition of "racism" is often used as a bully tactic. While I certainly think some points of criticism had merit, the accusers took an accusatory tone, thus falsely maligning their brethren.

jediwill83 · #9 10-16-2018, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Originalist

This is not "racism". Again, this broad definition of "racism" is often used a bully tactic. While I certainly think some points of criticism had merit, the accusers took and accusatory tone, thus falsely maligning their brethren.

Now now brother...check your privilege. lol

Originalist · #10 10-16-2018, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jediwill83

Now now brother...check your privilege. lol

Leaving only will make the perceived problem worse. Even if the UPCI's approach was in error, the intent was genuine. The movement shows a genuine attempt to reach out to the black community. Instead of staying and educating, this church played the race card. I suspect they are lefties to begin with.