When it comes to racial, cultural or ethnic relations, there is no better unifying force than Christian faith. Jesus teaches us to love one another, even our enemies. We’re called to go into all the world and make disciples of all people. We bear the cross as our symbol of salvation and this egalitarianism.

But, is that enough?

Several years ago, I hosted a set of Honest Conversations on Racism with black and white brothers and sisters in Christ. We all left with a broader knowledge of how one form of racism torments our world. Personally, I deepened my understanding of the struggles my black friends face. Our common bond with the cross helped us to bridge deeply ingrained racial habits.

I recently attended a multi-cultural, race and ethnicity conference put on by three denominations. It was an amazing collection of cultures from Evangelical Lutheran, Presbyterian and Reformed traditions – not denominations typically associated with anything other than “white.” Our conference passes were in large holders with lanyards designed to be worn around our necks; you knew who was around for the conference. The common symbol opened the door for everyone to say “hi” to others in the hotel lobby, to ask where other attendees were from while riding the elevator, or to invite others to sit at breakfast together.

We had a common bond and a common sign. It made me wish that, as we left that place, we all had a sign to say to others “I understand.” You know, like the symbolism of and the bond created by a Chicago Cubs logo.

But, what do we hold up as the banner for race? I bet I’d get a pretty cool reception wearing a Malcom X hat.

I’d like to think that the cross could serve that purpose. It should. Every teaching supports it. Every word preaches it. But, at a Christian conference, we still relied on those name badges. You could see it in the way other people in the hotel lobby were treated and how they treated attendees. In fact, I was a little taken aback when an African American man didn’t greet me in the lobby...then I realized he didn’t have the badge.

The cross should be enough to build the bridges. Sadly, it doesn’t seem to be. Maybe we’re using it the wrong way. Maybe we need to read the instruction manual again.

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