News media contact: Thomas S. McAnally, UMNS, Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470
See also: People of faith rally as Klan comes to Cleveland
WILLOUGHBY, OH August 23, 1999 -- As members of the Willoughby United Methodist Church attended worship, something evil happened in their parking lot. A supporter of the National Alliance, a known hate group, placed racist pamphlets on car windshields.
The same material was later found in the neighborhood in which Willoughby's associate pastor DeWayne Smith and his family had recently moved. Smith, who is black, was appointed to the predominately white congregation, July 1. Willoughby is located about 20 miles from Cleveland.
"Am I upset --- yes, but the message the Lord has given me is not to be afraid and to pray for those who have such hate in their hearts," Smith said.
Initially, members were stunned, according to Marcia Shettler, chairwoman of the church's administrative board. Then they wanted to act. A petition denouncing racism was circulated among those attending worship services the next Sunday and members held a prayer vigil for the Smith family and Willoughby community.
On his way to the prayer meeting, Smith said he asked the Lord to provide him with strength and guidance. As he opened his bible, the pages fell randomly. Smith peered down at the scriptures, his prayers were answered as he realized the Bible was opened to Matthew 5:43 "...Love your enemies."
Smith said he and his family had experienced tremendous personal support because of numerous encouraging telephone calls, visits and letters not only from church members but the entire community. A few days after the racist materials were distributed, Smith received a loaf of homemade bread from the pastor of an Episcopal church in the community. The note attached said "We are all part of the one body of Christ..."
Smith said he learned how to deal with racism and intolerance from his grandfather who had seen his mother sold at a slave auction. At that moment, according to Smith, his grandfather vowed to teach his family that the body may be enslaved but never the spirit or the soul --- they belong to God. A believer of nonviolence in word and action, Smith has been asked what others can do to support him and his family during this time. "I ask them to pray," he said. " Pray for justice and peace for all people. Pray that we will all be treated with respect and dignity."
*Panovec is director of communications for the East Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
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