City Reaching

City and Communities Conference Call
March 15, 2007
10 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Hosts: Rev. Glenn Barth & Rev. Jarvis Ward
Guest: Lynne M. Jackson, Great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott of the
Dred Scott Decision, 1857

Jan Kennedy, Norcross, GA was asked to lead in prayer.

Announcements - Glenn:
► City Impact Roundtable (CIR) in El Paso is April 19-21. The hotel deadline for special rate is April 2. After that the cost of a room will almost double. Special speakers include Reid Carpenter of Leadership Foundations of America, who will share some basic principles which helped him in his cityreaching career of over 40 years in Pittsburg. Arn Quakkelaar, who is with us on the call, is leader of BASICS Foundation in Milwaukee.
Arn: He is a great speaker. You will really enjoy him.
Glenn: Eric Swanson, author of The Externally Focused Church, will be speaking on
Wednesday. We will have significant city stories that will highlight principles Reid talks
about.

► Pre-CIR meetings:
► Those of you who are interested in understanding how research can help measure the transformation impact in your city might want to join the City Transformation Research Summit which will meet April 17-19. It is limited to 50. Email Glenn@cityreaching.com if you are interested.

► Pilot Cities for Loving Our Communities to Christ (LC2C) will also be meeting. It is limited to those pilot city folks.

► April 24 is a special “Featured Cities Conference Call,” hosted by Phil Miglioratti and Dennis Fuqua. It will focus on 3-4 cities that presented their stories at CIR.

► There will be no 3rd Thursday call next month – it occurs during CIR. Our next call will be Thursday, May 17th at 10 a.m. central daylight time.

Interview with of Lynne M. Jackson: It is a privilege to have a long time friend from St. Louis. She is a great-great-granddaughter of Dred Scott, and Founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation. She is a Christian, actively involved in marketplace. She has become a national spokesperson for the Dred Scott Decision, which had an important impact on lives of African Americans across this country.

Tuesday, March 6th, was the 150th anniversary of the infamous Dred Scott Decision in 1857. Who made that court decision back then and what actually was the decision that was made?

Lynne: Thank you for having me on this call. It is a privilege to be with fellow believers. The case was actually a series of cases over eleven years. There were five separate trials. They actually won their freedom in the second trial, but that was appealed by their owners. Further cases ended up in the Supreme Court. Roger Bucanny read the decision that took about 2 hours to read 80 pages; then it took 2 additional days to read dissenting opinions. The vote of 7-2 denied their freedom. Harriet Scott had her own documents, but the suits were combined into one. The final decision was read in a court room in Washington D.C. Basically it said that Dred and all African Americans (called Negroes or blacks at that time) were not citizens, deemed inferior beings, that the founding fathers never intended them to be included under the Declaration of Independence. The basic outline was they were not citizens because they were inferior beings, and therefore had no right to sue in court. Based on that, there was nothing to decide. But what they did, as happens today, was that activist judges went beyond their bounds.

Glenn: Dred and Harriet were actually free black citizens in Illinois who came to Missouri, and then were arrested.
Lynne: They actually were in St. Louis, owned by Dr. John Emerson, an Army Surgeon. Dred Scott was taken to free territory on several occasions, and lived there for several years. In Wisconsin he met Harriet and they were married. She came under Dr. Emerson’s ownership. It was believed that once free, always free. But they came back to a slave state, and that is what set it up. The Pastor of the church in St. Louis where they attended was Rev. John Anderson, a free man, an abolitionist. It is believed that he urged them to file the suit.

Glenn: This is why it became such a significant case. A freed man was able to sue.
Lynne: The decision angered abolitionists up north. There was a great outcry. Newspaper articles came out the day after the decision, some from the north, some from the south. You can tell the passions of those who wrote about the case. So we know this was a great catalyst. Unfortunately, there was this great sin of slavery, and blood had to be shed on the battle field, not unlike Jesus shedding his blood.

Jarvis: Speak to some of the open doors this has provided for your witness for Jesus. It’s clear that those of us with a Biblical foundation would look at this as an issue of righteousness and justice. I would ask you as a Christian - you are the co-chair and chief spokesperson for the year-long commemoration of the Decision, but also from standpoint of justice issues, which are very important to cityreaching if we are going to have an impact.
Lynne: Open doors. The way I look at it, every opportunity I have to speak is an opportunity to witness. Obviously the Dred Scott Decision - I don’t want to bring in unnecessary issues - but the tentacles that come out from it are definitely righteousness & justice, unholiness and ungodliness. There is much about slavery in the Bible. First, in the United States, slavery was far different from other countries in the world. Other countries either gave them the right to pay their way, indentured, but in the U.S. killings, beatings, tar feathering, lynchings, went far beyond what is described in the Bible. It is a more negative mark for the U.S. Today, we have slavery around the world, but in the past, we have that history to speak to, and make it clear that it was an abomination in the sight of God. Here in St. Louis, it has been in the news. A State Representative has put forth a Dred Scott Apology bill. Virginia has made one. They are celebrating the 400th anniversary of Jamestown and took that occasion to do an apology. The state of Missouri and Dred Scott case, I do say this, in 1852 – the third trial – the Chief Justice at that time said they would not be free, and anyone who would overthrow this would overthrow the government. To some this was a curse. Missouri was willing to take the consequences of slavery in her borders, like the scriptural “let his blood be upon us and our children.” So there is much righteousness and justice that needs to be addressed and rectified.

Glenn: Do you believe that the March 6 anniversary commemoration activities -- just nine days ago -- were effective? Were you pleased with them and do you feel that they contributed or will contribute to improved justice and righteousness issues?
Lynne: Most definitely, more than we expected. Over a year and a half ago I asked friends to participate. Over forty local organizations committed to participating in some event this year. First, Washington University gave a 3-day symposium. They rolled out the red carpet. Several put together the top twenty scholars on the Dred Scott Case, asked the hard questions. People are not afraid to mention the Lord, and say “if God wills.” I feel God did orchestrate this. I did listen to him. We were pleased. The Court House did a 2-room exhibit. In St. Louis, the Post Dispatch had articles five days in a row. They don't go out of their way, but they don't usually have such extensive
coverage.
Harold Hendrick, Mission Metro St. Louis, added: Lynne was on the front page.

Glenn: Just before these commemoration events was the release of the Amazing Grace movie.
Lynne: Ten years ago I wished we could do a movie about Dred Scott. I think God was planning this movie, which came out a week before our anniversary.

Jarvis: Have you had a problem with anger as to how African-Americans have been treated unjustly? and how has the awareness of your being a descendant of Dred Scott affected you and your family's life?
Lynne: If you are referring to me personally, I don’t have a problem with it. We have a model in Jesus of righteous anger, but not outward anger. That won’t solve the problem. There is a book Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome written by a lady here in St. Louis.
Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Joy Degruy Leary (Hardcover - Jan 2005) (per Amazon.com)
I felt some anger when I heard her. It doesn’t ring right. There was sadness, tears because of the unfairness. Anger is not productive. I believe in turning it into something positive. Our goal is a racial reconciliation initiative. As far as family, the awareness is always there. We can trace our lineage. The effect of it – this weekend, because we were able to do it, I had several relatives who came who had a chance to hear the whole story, see the exhibits, the documentary, the drama. He did it, I didn’t do it. We have a responsibility to carry on that legacy. I know our family feels strongly about education and living godly lives.

Jarvis: Some would say “that’s so long ago; let’s just move on and all get along.” What is your response to that mindset?
Lynne: I’m glad for people who want to move on and do something about it, not just move on. But it is important for people to understand what went on. If this case had not been taken forward, something that should have been a simple slam-dunk, it is possible we could be a slave nation today. We would not be the greatest nation on earth, a blessed nation. And when people see the inhumanity of the case, it’s not just “Oh, that was so long ago. Did that really happen?”

Glenn: Look at most recent issue of Christianity Today, a cover issue of slavery today, victims of human trafficking. Understanding our history is critical to understanding race relations. In many of our cities, people are seeking community transformation, and I think many city reachers believe that unless the Body of Christ more effectively applies justice and righteous equally and balanced we will not see true and lasting transformation in our cities. Would you agree or disagree with this position?
Lynne: I agree with you. Personal piety is the first order of business, and that’s what the work of the church is - transformation of the human soul. We haven’t done the best job. My husband and I have an apologetics ministry. We use science, math, and chemistry to show that everything goes back to God. As individuals, we have a responsibility to make a decision. The body of Christ has tremendous responsibility. Everything goes back to what God has purposed. I believe this case and this time, the commemoration of it, has importance in where we go from here.

Glenn: How we behave as citizens and how we respond to God’s call on our lives, it is important to understand our history, history leading up to the Civil War, and the history of civil rights.

Question and Answer
Mike: As a Christian, how do you deal with Scriptures that deal with slavery? Recently I saw someone speak of a scripture that said you could beat a slave for a day as long as he didn’t die. I couldn’t find it. (see note later in call)
Lynne: The Old Testament has lots of rules about slavery. These laws were made more by man, and record more of history. The two commandments Jesus said are to love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor. These two encompass the whole of the law. If you have those two as guidelines, you would never beat your slave at all. There are different translations, but we need to be careful in our reading.

Arn Quakkelaar: We’re working with a very large church in the area that has a tremendous interest in impacting central Milwaukee. We’re putting together an orientation class to help people in the suburbs understand better the center city. One part of this orientation: how can we effectively communicate to people who could be very prejudiced toward the city, the African American community and poverty? How can we best inform them of the history? I think it’s important for wealthy people to understand.
Lynne: I am pleased at what you are doing. I have no stock in the book I mentioned, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, but I think it would be a good resource for your orientation. Another thing would be to bring African American history in small snippets with key people, and use books about Booker T. Washington, Harriet Tubman, the underground railroad, and point to the dangers and courage these people showed in standing up for human rights. It would be good if there is any way these people could participate in something with those in the inner city, even if for just a day. I heard of some who went to Africa and lived in huts with the people. In a very short time came to love those people so much they had trouble pulling themselves away.

Arn: We are planning an all day orientation. Your suggestion of having African Americans from the inner city doing this, that is what we are planning. We have talked about using Booker T. Washington materials. I think it will be a challenge to get people to come. Not too many suburbanites are interested.
Lynne: Use the New Testament passage where the poor man came to front of the temple and they made him sit in the back because he was poorly dressed. Point out that if you have this mindset, look at what Jesus said. Let the Holy Spirit convict, rather than telling them.

Stan Archie, Kansas City: I appreciate the opportunity to be part of the dialog. I am an African American pastor. We have quite a connection with suburban partners. What we have found is the understanding of what happened yesterday is important, and then we ask the question: “Considering today’s reality, what would slavery look like today? What are the places where we can work toward resolving some of those issues?” When it comes to institutional slavery, cultural slavery, all those things that take place under the radar screen because they aren’t as brutal, how do you suggest dealing with those issues?
Lynne: Knowledge is power; the best thing we can do is expose it and gain critical mass. A little here, a little there slips by. We need to stand up against anything that is unholy and unrighteous. People think of people in Sudan and Rwanda – that’s over there - I need to get to my meeting.

Stan: We’re also dealing with the way homosexuality has been equalized to racial categorization. How do you deal with promoting civil rights and justice and righteousness to overcome some of the challenges we have brought on ourselves in America, but separate homosexuality and lesbianism from racial issues? Lynne: Civil rights - there is a difference in being born with an unchangeable feature as opposed to making a choice. We have to make that difference clear. Bott Radio here in St. Louis has had some wonderful speakers on this. I would encourage anyone who can to make that distinction clear. Clearly they are separate. We have to speak up. All that is required for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing. We are on the precipice. We are living in a dark time. Our mission field has never been brighter.

Harold Hendrick, Bott Radio, St. Louis: Lynne and I are involved in May 27th Global Day of Prayer. We went to see the Founder and President of a world wide African American owned business, Dave Steward. He co-authored Doing Business by the Good Book, doing over a billion $ a year. He said to Lynn, “I want to thank you and your family; if your ancestor had not done what he did, I would not have been able to do what I have.”
Lynne: He was a gracious man. Our purpose - www.TheDredScottFoundation.org 1. Plan and commemorate this 150th anniversary. That will go on for duration of this year. There will be a dinner in September. We will roll into reconciliation initiative. 2. Focus on education, learning about this case and all of our American history. 3. Racial reconciliation. We hope to have a statue for Dred Scott. We started the foundation, want to have scholarships for students and young adults who are now on track and want to pursue history, law, science and math.

Stan Archie: I serve on the State Board of Education for Missouri. I was opposed to the move of the State Board to go to open districting in St. Louis for several reasons. I’m trying to get an entry and exit plan, encourage the faith community to come with a strategy that is better than what the state offers. How does disenfranchising voters relate to the issue of slavery?
Lynne: First, slaves were not allowed to read or write. Many did, but it goes to the fact that keeping a person uneducated keeps them subjugated. We believe you have to get educated. The school system I grew up in was most excellent. It grieves me to see what is going on now. I definitely agree that the faith community needs to come in. Programs like Christian Evangelism Fellowship. I’ve met African American men who are hoping to come in and supplement the schools. The education and leadership aspect - men and women as leaders coming in would turn it around. I recommend David Barton’s book, To Pray and Not to Pray. When prayer came out of schools, pregnancies and violence went up, SAT scores went down. Those statistics come from regular government reports, not just Christians. We need to re-enter. I’ve worked so much on Dred Scott that I haven’t kept up with the issue.

Stan Archie: It is an uphill battle being a Christian and pastor in a situation like this.
Glenn: I hear you, brother. You are concerned for children who are growing up with this. “Pastors on the Premises” in San Bernardino, CA is an example of a school where pastors prayer-walked the campuses and connected them with services in the community. They saw the dropout rate drop from 70 to 20% in one year, from 20% to 10% next year. Other improvements have come. At the CIR inEl Paso we will hear from the Christian Educators Assn Int’l (CEAI).

Stan: St. Louis faced the same challenge. The faith community stepped up to the plate and we have seen impact. The key thing is that everyone has their role. We are trying to get that done in St. Louis.
Glenn: We’re pleased that you are involved in it there. We’ll be happy to put you in touch with resources. You may contact Carolyn O’Brien at info@cityreaching.com. We believe schools are one area that need to be addressed by the faith community to see changes.

Mike: I found the reference. It’s Exodus 20:20-21 NIV
Lynne: No one has asked that before, but I will look into this. I’m a King James person.
Glenn: I know that throughout history, slavery has been an institution. 60% of the Roman Empire was in slavery during time of Jesus. Economies have depended on slavery in many ways, and many are in employment conditions today that are like slavery. Even here in the U.S., with illegal immigrants, we need to be active,

Lynne: I want to thank you all for the opportunity to share this. I would like to stay in touch about education. We are in this together. If we can help reach into the body of Christ, we want to do so.

Glenn: Thanks for sharing with us about how this impacts us today.
Remember, we are coming up to April 2 cut-off for hotel rate for CIR. Next month we will meet face-to-face in El Paso instead of by conference call.

Arn Quaakelaar closed in prayer.