It appears that a major victory has been won at the United Nations World Conference Against Racism held in Durban South Africa. I just returned to the USA after twelve grueling days of negotiations, training alliance building, diplomacy and protest. It is extremely important that the AME Church rise to the fore front in this new international movement against racism. From Paul robeson to Randall Robinson we have been trying to lift the plight of our people to an international level. Now it has been done. The international declaration and international PLAN of ACTION will be a template for liberation used by the 16,000 non governmental and governmental representatives. Many who have returned home to implement these progressive positions. Since the AME Church is committed to continuing Christ's edict in Luke Chapter Four ..."to set the captives free" we need not miss nor tarry behind this opportunity. Discussion?

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

Answers

Rev. Woodberry,

Great that you, too, played a role in seeking just world. If anything to mention, contentious matters were tabled for intense discussion to the dislike of others.

I deeply regret that, as AMEs, we were on the same ground but we could not have moments of fellowship, together. I know that most of us who were there, were not necessarily on an AME ticket but by other engagements. I think we need a way in which we could inform each other of our presence. In fact, even have moments of worship together. The Catholics and the Methodists did it in Durban. Let also us use these sites for sharing pespectives by making sure that we pass on information about being in such historic events.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

Interesting conclusions. Viewing the conference from afar, I would have characterized is as a loss for all at best. However my view is from the US. Admitted, I am a nationalist, I love my country. God, family, country (nation), are my top three priorities in order. I thought the conference was designed to embarass the United States and as a champion for the Palestinians. I thought that President Bush and Secretary Powell was right in not sending atop level delegation to the Conference. On the other hand, the Palestinians have a legimate argument which should be before the United Nations. Israel is wrong in thier treatment of the Palestinians and will live to regret what they are doing even now. They can never exert enough power to stop this move for freedom for the Palestinian people. If the United Nations would enforce the decision regarding this situation, the fighting could be stopped. But the UN has no authority and no will to challenge Israel, perhaps because of the implied threat that Isreal has and will nuclear weapons which is most likely true. If the UN would attempt to enforce the ban of settlements in the area and Israel refuse, the UN would be revealed as a toothless tiger and other nations would then ignore any mandate published by the UN. The US has the power but not the will to say to the Israelis, "Enough, stop the fighting or we will withdraw all our support bith moral and financial; no more weapons. Israel has violated the purchase contract for US designed weapons by using them against the Palestinians but we do not have the will to enforce such clauses in the contracts. The Palestinians have nothing to lose and therefore Israel cannot win. They can destroy each other. Were Israel to use the atomic weapons, they will force the world to come against them and that is a loss. If the current situation continues long enough, the people of Israel will eventually lose heart for the situation and negotiate a settlement. It may take another generation but it will happen. Teh longer Israela delays, the worse the situation will be for them.

Blessings,

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

Rev. Woodberry,

I have searched the internet looking for the agenda of WCAR and its resolutions. Unfortunately, I have seen scant amounts of information on this most important event of the millenium. I think that it is praiseworthy when members of the human family have dialogue on social problems of this nature. I also noted that the American media's coverage of this event was pitiful. As I understand it, there were issues such as the enslavement of Sudanese christians by the Sudanese Muslims, the persecution of non-muslims by the Taliban in Aghanistan, the persecution of the "untouchables" in India's rigid castes system , reparations for the Atlantic slave trade of Africans during the 1400's, and the question about whether Zionism is racism. When all the racism problems in the world are considered, it would be interesting to see how one or two issues could dominate this conference. If you can provide a summary of the resolutions reached or discussed or any web site addressing these issues, it will certainly be appreciated.

JazzMan

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

Rev. Alton Paris, this is the only article I have ever read on this board from you that was coherent, sensible, balanced, and basically void of blind loyalty to the cause of Caucasians and the U. S. Keep it up sport; you are beginning to "see the light."

One step further, though. Zionism is RACISM; the U. S. and most of Western Europe owe reparations to the descendants of slaves and must pay-up; and for the racist, WHITE regimes all over the world, the non-white people will eventually "tear your kingdoms down" regardless to how long it takes and whatever the cost may be. "Enough is enough" and racism and injustices everywhere must be challenged with force and vigor for a more fair and orderly society.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

Why must you resort to name-calling. I have no problem when you disagree with my positions but I do have a problem when you disagrre but rather than debate the issue you resort to name-calling. Please don't go there. I have not changed. You've just learned to read.

Blessings,

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

I suggest everyone look at the actual document at the United Nations website. Then for those who are interested we will be having an online discussion Saturday at 8pm at www.harambeequest.com. All are welcome to join? Question - What role should the AME Church be taking in terms of social justice and community organizing?

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

Hey, Mr. Paris, I may not know what reading is but I sure know what writing ain't, and you certainly have not been doing it to any degree of substance. Go back and re-read your posts of the glorified "white man" and the villified "black man." And since, great scholar, you have noticed that I have learned to read, please learn to write rather than stoop to such "slap stick" writing that you have been doing in the past.

By the way, I read more in one day, than you have probably read in a life time; and I don't mean "Uncle Tom's Cabin" either.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

There will be an online discussion on Saturday at 8pm about the conference at www.harambeequest.com. We will be able to go over the actual documents submitted by the non governmental organizations and the final document. Brothers let's watch out for the hard knocks. After all we are trying to build unity!! The Israli-Palestinian issue is important but it was a small part of the whole. In fact it was used as a diversion. So issues such as slavery being declared a crime against humanity, reparations, international enviromental racism (most pollution and toxic dumps are in people of color neighborhoods and nations) etc. There are even parts of the document dealing with; gender issues, gay rights, anti semitism, the Dalis (india's untouchables) and Romas (european gypsies)discrimination. the Palistinian-Israli issue was a smoke screen a lot of nations doing unjust things could convienently hid behind. specific issues are not as important as the overall document. Are there holes and shortfalls? Yes!! Just like the US Constitution which initially gave no one the right to vote but white men who owned property. Like the constitution the Conference is a revolutionary foundation. One we should build on rather than dismantle.

-- Anonymous, September 12, 2001