by Bryan Massingale
in America Magazine
Ed. Note: Watch an interview with Fr. Bryan Massingale following the events of Jan. 6th at this link.
As I watch the unimaginable scenes of insurrection from our nation’s capital, where our entire Congress was held hostage by the actions of a deluded and deranged mob, I am filled with anger. Righteous anger. Because while what we are watching is horrifying, it is not surprising.
This is the inevitable result of four years of lies from President Donald Trump. Four years of the president demonizing his opponents. Four years of unaccountable abuses of power. Four years of reckless rhetoric and thinly veiled threats of violence. Four years of stoking of white racial resentment, anxiety and fear. Of naked appeals to his thugs and inciting Proud Boy gangs to “stand by.” And of repeated refusals on his part to promise a peaceful transfer of power. Make no mistake, this is the only place that the presidency of Donald Trump could lead: a violent assault upon the nation’s democracy.
We cannot feign surprise, because for years, the core of Mr. Trump’s appeal has been stoking white resentment at the changing face of America. What we saw today is a clear declaration that many white people would rather live in a white dictatorship than in a multiracial democracy. If democracy means sharing power with people of color, especially Black people, then they want no part of it. Today is the inevitable consequence of the nation’s tolerance of white racism…
I am on the side of impeaching Trump today. He is a vile/sick man. And, this dumping anger on white people is pretty upsetting too.
Thank you, Rev. Massingale for being a prophet in our time.
Thank you, Father Massingale. You have been a powerful beacon of hope for me and other Black Catholics who struggle in the Church and parishes. Strengthened by studying your work, my Anti-racism ministry has tried to respond to attitudes disguised as true Catholic values. We tried to lovingly promote dialog when told that Black Lives Matter causes violence. There was no outrage from the pulpit against the many violent acts fueled by racism, the only concern mentioned (by a priest who for months refused to wear a mask) was about damage to property provoking fears that “They are trying to to take away our religious freedom.”
We are inspired by you and other prophets such as Sister Thea Bowman who calls us to be “fully functioning, holistic and spirit filled” and Dr. king’s call for us to be “Authentic Dissenters.” We are so grateful for this prophetic guidance and leadership. We pray for God’s Grace for the courage to speak up even when we feel unwanted and rebuked, and to hold unto our faith and the Church we have cherished.