Confronting Racism: My 2025 Talk With Missionaries

Hey everyone! Today, I want to share a really thought-provoking and, honestly, quite intense conversation I had with some missionaries in 2025. We're diving deep into the complexities of race and religion, and how these issues continue to play out even in our modern world. So, buckle up, because this is going to be a candid and crucial discussion.

The Setup: An Unexpected Encounter

It all started on a pretty normal Tuesday afternoon. I was grabbing a coffee at my usual spot when I noticed a couple of missionaries chatting with someone at a nearby table. You know the type – neatly dressed, radiating that earnest enthusiasm, and always ready to share their message. Now, I've had my fair share of encounters with missionaries over the years, and I usually politely decline their offers. But this time, something felt different. Maybe it was the current climate of social awareness, or perhaps it was just a particularly bold mood I was in, but I decided to approach them.

As I walked over, I could hear snippets of their conversation – talk about faith, community, and the transformative power of their church. They seemed genuinely kind and well-intentioned, which, in my experience, is often the case. However, I also couldn't shake the feeling that there was a significant elephant in the room: the historical and ongoing issues of race within many religious institutions, including theirs. So, after they wrapped up their conversation with the other person, I introduced myself and politely asked if I could chat with them for a few minutes. They were more than happy to oblige, and we settled into a conversation that would challenge all of us.

Initiating the Conversation: Addressing the Elephant in the Room

I started by acknowledging their dedication and the positive work they were trying to do. I made it clear that I respected their commitment to their faith and their desire to share it with others. However, I also felt it was important to address the issue of race head-on. I prefaced my comments by saying that I understood this might be a sensitive topic, but it was one that I believed needed to be discussed openly and honestly. I then stated, as plainly as I could, that in my view, their church – like many others – still had a problem with racism in 2025. This was my main keyword, racism, and I wanted to make sure they understood the gravity of my concern. I emphasized that this wasn't a personal attack but a reflection on systemic issues that have deep roots and far-reaching consequences. I watched their faces carefully as I spoke, gauging their reactions and preparing myself for what might come next. This bold statement was the crux of our discussion, and I was ready to back it up with specific examples and arguments.

Laying the Groundwork: Why This Conversation Matters

Before diving into specifics, I wanted to lay some groundwork. I explained that my perspective wasn't based on a desire to criticize or condemn, but rather on a genuine concern for justice and equality. I believe that all institutions, including religious ones, have a responsibility to confront their past and present shortcomings when it comes to race. Ignoring these issues, I argued, only perpetuates harm and prevents true healing and reconciliation. I also highlighted that addressing racism isn't just about being politically correct; it's about living out the core values of love, compassion, and justice that are central to most faiths. When churches fail to address racism, they undermine their own moral authority and alienate members and potential converts who are committed to racial equity. This part of the conversation was crucial for setting the tone. I wanted them to understand that I wasn't trying to tear down their beliefs but rather to challenge them to live up to their highest ideals. By framing the issue in terms of shared values, I hoped to create a space for open dialogue and mutual understanding. It's easy to get defensive when confronted with criticism, but I wanted to encourage them to see this as an opportunity for growth and positive change.

Their Initial Reaction: A Mix of Surprise and Defensiveness

As you might imagine, my statement was met with a mix of surprise and defensiveness. The missionaries, who I'll call Elder A and Elder B to protect their privacy, exchanged glances before Elder A spoke. He started by saying that he understood my concerns but that he believed my assessment was too harsh. He pointed to various initiatives their church had undertaken to promote diversity and inclusion, such as outreach programs in underserved communities and efforts to translate religious materials into multiple languages. He also emphasized the church's official stance against racism, citing statements from church leaders condemning discrimination and advocating for racial harmony. Elder B nodded in agreement, adding that in his personal experience, he had always felt welcomed and accepted within the church community. He shared anecdotes about friendships he had formed with people from different racial backgrounds and expressed his belief that the church was a place where people of all backgrounds could come together in unity.

Navigating Defensiveness: Finding Common Ground

I recognized their defensiveness as a natural human response. It's not easy to hear criticism, especially when it's directed at something you deeply care about. However, I also knew that defensiveness can be a barrier to meaningful dialogue. So, instead of dismissing their points, I tried to find common ground. I acknowledged the positive initiatives they mentioned and affirmed that I believed they were genuinely committed to making a difference. I emphasized that I wasn't questioning their individual experiences or intentions but rather pointing to systemic issues that go beyond individual actions. This is where the keyword racism comes back into play. I explained that racism isn't just about overt acts of prejudice; it's also about the subtle ways in which racial biases and power imbalances are embedded in institutions and structures. I used the analogy of a house with a faulty foundation: even if the residents make cosmetic improvements, the underlying structural problems will eventually cause the house to crumble. Similarly, I argued, a church can implement diversity programs and condemn racism in its official statements, but if it doesn't address the underlying systemic issues, it will continue to perpetuate racial inequality. By framing the issue in this way, I hoped to shift the focus from individual blame to collective responsibility. It's crucial to remember that systemic change requires more than just good intentions; it requires a deep and honest examination of the root causes of inequality.

Diving Deeper: Specific Examples and Systemic Issues

With the initial defensiveness somewhat diffused, we were able to dive deeper into specific examples and systemic issues. I shared some observations and experiences that had led me to my conclusion. I talked about the lack of diversity in leadership positions within the church, the tendency to gloss over or downplay the role of race in historical events, and the microaggressions that people of color often experience in predominantly white religious spaces. I also brought up the issue of cultural appropriation, where elements of marginalized cultures are adopted by the dominant culture without understanding or respecting their original context. I cited examples of religious art and music that perpetuate racial stereotypes or fail to reflect the diversity of the church's global membership. These examples were crucial for illustrating my point. Abstract arguments about racism can be difficult to grasp, but concrete examples make the issue more tangible and relatable. By sharing specific instances, I hoped to help them see the problem from a different perspective and understand the lived experiences of people of color within their church.

The Weight of History: Acknowledging Past Wrongs

I also emphasized the importance of acknowledging the church's historical relationship with racism. Many religious institutions, including theirs, have a history of supporting or condoning racial discrimination and segregation. While it's important to acknowledge progress that has been made, it's equally important to confront the legacy of past wrongs. Ignoring or downplaying this history can undermine trust and make it difficult to build genuine relationships with people of color. I pointed out that true reconciliation requires both acknowledging the harm that has been done and taking concrete steps to repair the damage. This might involve offering formal apologies, providing financial reparations, or creating educational programs to raise awareness about the church's history of racism. The key is to demonstrate a genuine commitment to learning from the past and creating a more just and equitable future. Addressing the history of racism is essential for any institution that wants to move forward. It's a painful but necessary process that can lead to healing and transformation.

A Shift in Perspective: Moments of Understanding

As the conversation progressed, I began to notice a shift in the missionaries' perspective. Elder B, who had initially seemed more defensive, started asking thoughtful questions. He wanted to understand more about the specific experiences I had mentioned and how they had impacted people of color. He also shared some of his own observations, acknowledging that he had witnessed instances of racial bias within the church that he hadn't fully understood at the time. Elder A, while still cautious, also seemed more open to considering my perspective. He admitted that he hadn't fully appreciated the systemic nature of racism and that he needed to do more to educate himself. There were moments of genuine understanding and empathy, where I felt like we were truly connecting on a human level. These moments were encouraging because they showed that change is possible. When people are willing to listen, learn, and challenge their own assumptions, real progress can be made. It's not about agreeing on every point but about creating a space where honest dialogue can take place.

The Power of Listening: Creating Space for Dialogue

I believe that one of the most important things I did in this conversation was to listen actively and empathetically. I made sure to create space for the missionaries to share their perspectives, even when I disagreed with them. I asked clarifying questions, summarized their points to ensure I understood them correctly, and validated their feelings. This helped to build trust and create a more collaborative atmosphere. I also tried to avoid accusatory language and focus on the impact of certain actions or policies rather than the intentions behind them. This is a crucial distinction because it's easier for people to hear criticism when they don't feel personally attacked. The power of listening cannot be overstated. It's the foundation of any meaningful conversation, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like race and religion. When people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to be open to new ideas and perspectives.

The Outcome: A Call to Action, Not a Conclusion

Our conversation lasted for over an hour, and by the end, I felt like we had all learned something. We didn't resolve all the issues, and we certainly didn't agree on everything. But we had engaged in a respectful and honest dialogue, and that in itself felt like a victory. The missionaries expressed their gratitude for my willingness to speak openly and honestly with them. They said that my perspective had given them a lot to think about and that they were committed to continuing the conversation within their church community. I, in turn, thanked them for their willingness to listen and engage with me. I emphasized that this wasn't the end of the discussion but rather a call to action. Addressing racism is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort and commitment. It's not enough to have a single conversation; we need to create a culture of ongoing dialogue and accountability. The call to action is for all of us – individuals, institutions, and communities – to take responsibility for creating a more just and equitable world.

Moving Forward: Continuing the Conversation

As I walked away from that coffee shop, I felt a mix of hope and determination. I was encouraged by the willingness of the missionaries to engage in a difficult conversation, but I also knew that there was still much work to be done. Racism is a complex and deeply entrenched problem, and it will take all of us working together to dismantle it. My conversation with the missionaries served as a reminder that these conversations, however challenging, are essential. We need to be willing to speak truth to power, to challenge the status quo, and to hold ourselves and our institutions accountable. We also need to be willing to listen to and learn from those who have different experiences and perspectives. By continuing the conversation, we can create a more just and equitable world for all. This entire experience underscores the importance of continuing the conversation about race and religion. It's a journey, not a destination, and we must remain committed to the process.

Final Thoughts: The Ongoing Struggle for Racial Justice

In the end, my conversation with the missionaries in 2025 highlighted the ongoing struggle for racial justice. While we've made progress in many areas, racism continues to be a pervasive problem in our society, including within religious institutions. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that includes individual introspection, institutional reform, and systemic change. It's not enough to simply condemn racism; we need to actively work to dismantle the structures and systems that perpetuate it. This means challenging our own biases, advocating for policies that promote racial equity, and supporting organizations that are working to create a more just world. The ongoing struggle is a reminder that the fight for racial justice is far from over. We must remain vigilant, persistent, and committed to the cause.

So, guys, what do you think? Have you had similar experiences? How do you think we can continue to address racism in our communities and institutions? Let's keep this conversation going!