Blacks and the UPCI

[PastorD]

Originally Posted by PraiseHymn

Why do I (we) wear robes?
In all honesty, out of tradition (plus we look good in them). In the African American church, we love to "dress up" for church. Preachers wear robes as a status symbol. A shepheard. A person who is in charge, who leads, who is a person of authority and to be respected (just like how a judge wears a black robe). Its not a requirement. Its not a heaven or hell issue. Its just a tradition. Just like African Americans and womens church hats. Our women just love to dress up and put a hat on to make the outfit more lavish or outstanding. Again, just tradition. Clergy collars to us are not catholic. Back in the day, when people were beheaded for the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, in order for them to survive an execution, the people would put a metal shank around there kneck and wrap a white scarf or sheet around there kneck so that it would hide the metal shank. When the axe would come down to behead the person, it would get stuck and there head COULD NOT be chopped off. Its a symbol of a person who defends the faith (in the Lord Jesus Christ). Catholics and Protestans alike where it and it has nothing to do with being trinitarian or oneness. Just like the nuns habit has nothing to do with being catholic. Our women in our church cover there heads too and we did not get it from the catholic church. Just an FYI. Google clergy collar and read up on the history of it.

Bottome line....The UPC as a whole (some would say a hole) has not received a passing grade on the racism test. On some local levels it is good, but in the majority--no.

In Atlanta, I think you will find some good options. Alonzo Terry is building a great church--he happens to be black. AB is there too! He even wears the collar--he is white.

As for the protocols of the black church....I love them. I am white and have preached in a robe on many occasions. I even own a 'turn around' collar as some call them.

I do have a question tho......I have always heard that facial hair for black males is something to do with masculinity. I could be totally wrong (or have been misinformed), but that it is something with not being effeminate. Educate me please....

God bless.