This was written in October of 2024,
“Competent white men must be in charge if you want things to work, Unfortunately, our entire national ideology is predicated on coddling the feelings of women and minorities, and demoralizing competent white men.”
This was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by a man named Darren Beattie. Darren Beattie is currently the acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy. This is a position that is focused on representing the country in outward facing diplomatic messaging and communication.
Political ideology and perspectives benefit from a diversity of thought. This diversity of thought allows people to test their ideas against other ideas and to seek compromise and consensus on how to support the common good. When a politician’s intentions are rooted in service, humility, and supporting human dignity, I welcome any discussion. In these discussions, I may not agree with a person. I may think the views are harmful. But if I can trust that I am talking to someone who is coming from a place of compassion, I can trust that there can still be a relationship.
The phrase “competent white men must be in charge if you want things to work” is clearly not that.
I want to approach this as a pastor of a congregation.
This is not the moral character of a person who should be representing my voice in the world. This is not a just or ethical thing to say under any circumstances. This is deeply antithetical to the Biblical idea of justice. This is not something that was done in the folly of youth and has since evidenced transformation or repentance. This is an adult speaking less than six months ago about the necessity of white, male leadership.
I understand that conversations around political matters can be fraught, and more so when it is centered in a religious context. This shouldn’t be hard, though.
I expect that most of you reading this will agree that “competent white men must be in charge” is not remotely how we want to be represented. I am guessing that we can be on the same page here.
I’m not saying this to convince you. I’m saying this because we all exist in a larger world and context. We exist in communities where people may find themselves encouraged by the phrase “competent white men must be in charge;” where this is a sentiment that is to be celebrated. We exist in communities where the phrase “competent white men must be in charge” is a taboo not to be broached; where silence around an “uncomfortable issue” is held as a higher value than addressing injustice.
I’m not trying to convince any of you that, “Competent white men must be in charge” is sinful and false. I want to make sure that we recognize that silence around these sentiments can’t be continued if we want to represent ourselves and our faith.
This is a political post, but this is not a partisan post. It should not be a partisan issue to say that racism is unacceptable. However, the fact that I feel the need to caveat this means that we need to make sure that the voice of decency and faith needs to speak louder; needs to isolate injustice, prejudice, and bigotry; and enter into healthy conversations about how best to love one another.
Peace,
Jeff
Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church is located at 1200 S. Winton Road, in the heart of Brighton, NY. If you're in the Rochester, NY area and would like to learn more about us, we invite you to contact our office by calling 585-244-8585, send us an email, or visit us in person! We look forward to connecting with you!
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