A Time for Promises

Sitting in one of the upper levels of the Los Angeles Coliseum, an African American man appeared skeptical as clergy on the field below called for racial reconciliation among an estimated 50,000 men, mostly white, at a Promise Keepers rally. He remained passive as first one white man, and then another, stood up as an act of public confession and repentance for racism on their part or their ancestors’. Soon another white man stood up. Moved, the black man momentarily buried his face in his hands. Nearby, two more white men got up. Then the black man rose to his feet, asking forgiveness as well.

It was a typical scene at the “Break Down the Walls” conference, held April 19 and 20. While the fast-growing Christian men’s movement has placed most emphasis on men being faithful husbands and fathers, last weekend’s rally marked the first occasion that so much time had been devoted to racism.

Church members and pastors say early signs point to progress. After a Promise Keepers pastors’ conference in Atlanta earlier this year where racial divisions were discussed, the predominantly African American Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Compton and the predominantly white SeaRidge Community Church in Laguna Hills launched a new joint men’s ministry. “If my father in heaven says he’s my father, that makes every man my brother,” said the Rev. Mike Carlisle, pastor of the Laguna Hills church, affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

Jerry Taylor, a deacon and men’s ministry leader at the Compton church, added, “For us to break down racism and to really be where the Lord wants us to be, you have to deal with these issues. Only then can you feel the real brotherhood. . . . We have got to understand the hurts that each man feels. . . And I need to apologize for holding bitterness for the offensive acts [whites] did against me,” Taylor said. Promise Keepers officials and local churches said they are thankful for the progress, but they said it may take years to break down all the walls.