GA06021
General Assembly Breakfast
Civil Rights Institute founder calls for "reconciliation in our world"
by Janet Hilley
Odessa Woolfolk, founding president and chair emerita of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, speaks at the General Assembly Breakfast, sponsored by the Office of the General Assembly. Photo by Danny Bolin
BIRMINGHAM, June 16 — Odessa Woolfolk, a founder and administrator of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, told those attending the General Assembly breakfast Friday that, "God calls us to be agents of peace, justice and reconciliation in our world."
A longtime teacher and active member of the United Church of Christ, Woolfolk is a petite woman with a rich and resonant voice that commanded the attention of those present.
In urging Christians to work for reconciliation in the world, Woolfolk noted that believers have long witnessed the suffering of this world, and that we are called to be good neighbors. She referenced Galatians 3 as a reminder that we are all one in Christ.
Speaking of Birmingham and its role in the civil rights movement, Woolfolk noted that the city and its experiences have much to teach the world about doing justice and bringing about reconciliation. She called on mainline Christians to do the same.
"How do we reconcile?" she asked. "In three ways: those who have wounded must recognize and admit their offense; then they must apologize and ask forgiveness of those they have offended; and finally, the offenders must move into community with the offended. The church must be a leader in bringing about reconciliation in the world.
"I agree that the mainline denominations should remain engaged in the public discussion. We should not be silent."
In closing, Woolfolk referenced the James Weldon Johnson hymn, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," reminding those present that beneath the hand of God, faithful Christians can remain true to God and to our native land, seeking reconciliation in the world.
Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick fields questions from the audience for Odessa Woolfolk, speaker at the General Assembly Breakfast. Photo by Danny Bolin
When asked how one goes about this work, she responded, "Are we reaching out to know people who are different from us? That's the beginning (of reconciliation)."
Hosted by Clifton Kirkpatrick, the stated clerk of the General Assembly, Woolfolk’s address was followed by worship led by Cathy Ulrich, moderator-elect of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly. Worship included prayers, singing and a meditation upon Acts 2:1-4. With her benediction and blessing, commissioners departed to attend to GA business.
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