Reverend Jonathan Mouzon Interview
Healing | ||
| Reverend Mouzon's Letter of Forgiveness | ||
 | Reverend Mouzon Interview | |
| The Power of Faith And Forgiveness | ||
|
Helping | ||
MOUZON: Yes, very much so. We, the Macedonia Baptist Church, never thought that the antics of the Klan would reach that level in our area. We knew that they had the right to assemble, and even to believe what they want, but to act on their beliefs-we never imagined that would happen. We've since learned that it's dangerous to underestimate any hate group. DO YOU THINK THE ANGER AND RACISM WAS THERE ALL ALONG, OR DID THE COMING OF THE KLAN INTRODUCE IT? MOUZON: In Anytown, Anycity, USA there are underlying racial problems. That's America. And if we deny that, then we're in a fantasy world. But these problems are always heightened to the level of violent acts when hate groups come in. HOW DO YOUR CONGREGATES RELATE TO THE WHITE COMMUNITY SINCE THIS EVENT? ARE PEOPLE MORE WARY AND SUSPICIOUS? ARE FRIENDSHIPS BETWEEN BLACKS AND WHITES MORE HESITANT? MOUZON: Relationships in our community are the same, but that's different than in most communities, because the blacks and whites here grew up together and have always lived that way. Since the fire we've had more fellowship with whites than before. As far as being wary and suspicious, no, we're not. The Bible teaches us that we are not to live in fear; we know that these things "can" happen, but we've put it behind us. One cannot live in peace holding hatred or looking over their shoulder...and we live in peace. DO YOU THINK THAT THE SETTLEMENT WILL SEVERELY INJURE THE KLAN OR PUT THEM OUT OF BUSINESS? MOUZON: The lawsuit was more symbolic than anything else. As far as actually collecting, there's little chance that we will, but we stood for our rights. Maybe mere accountability will make others think twice before joining hate groups. But I feel the only way to put these groups out of business, is that good people - black and white - have to speak out. Silence on the part of good people is an enabler to hate groups. WHAT MADE YOU WRITE THAT LETTER OF FORGIVENESS? MOUZON: I realized that Timothy and Christopher were both victims. We wanted to let them know that there was no animosity between the Church and them. WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE KLAN THAT PEOPLE FIND SEDUCTIVE? MOUZON: The Klan offers acceptance to a lot of the younger people in the South who are looking for a place to belong. The youth of today have a variety of problems-some because of home situations, some because of economics and a great deal of other things. They feel left out and are looking for love and acceptance. These hate groups offer that. Although it's superficial, they offer acceptance. These young people become pawns in the hands of angry men. HOW DID THE BURNING AFFECT YOUR SPIRITUALITY? MOUZON: I believe that hate crimes are designed to either break your spirit or incite some type of violent response. Spiritually, we proposed to look beyond, or look above what that crime was designed to do. We reached inside ourselves and found that love is always bigger than hate. Forgiveness is bigger than vengeance. So in a situation like that, you reach for the bigger things in order to be able to overcome. COULD YOU OFFER SOME FIRST STEPS TO END RACISM? MOUZON: We've had much dialogue so far, but there's still a lot that is needed. First of all, we must admit that racism exists. When the Klan came to Clarendon County, it took several months for the community to admit that this had gone on. Everything was swept aside. In order for us to overcome racism, we're going to have to first admit that it exists and then we can begin working on it. Overlooking a problem does not make it go away. All of us know individuals to whom we are opposed, but our opposition should never be simply because of skin color or background. Then we must stop teaching "tolerance," and teach "acceptance." Tolerance does not change the heart, but acceptance will. 
|
