A Christian Insight into the `World Conference Against Racism'

by K. Olsen

Racism is indeed a sinful attitude which has its source in human pride. However, when proud human beings come together to attack others about their racism it only serves to exacerbate the problem and feed feelings of hatred. My experience of the conference (after having attended some of the NGO conference myself and consulted with CFT colleagues who witnessed and recorded other events at the WCAR):

1. The very word Racism has been abused and because of the confusion as to its definition all sorts of wild allegations have been twisted to mean racism. Until recently "racism" meant the unfair discrimination against peoples based on their skin colour or other hereditary qualities. In other words, their racial category was the main factor in experiencing bias, hatred and all sorts of unjust treatment from those who felt superior. South Africans need no reminder about the awful system of racism which resulted in Apartheid laws based on which race people belonged to. Unfortunately, the organisers (and most of the participants) of the WCAR have tried to equate all sorts of unjust treatment of different people groups, even when race plays no role, with the experience of Apartheid. This linguistic confusion about the very definition of race is a major contributor to the grudge fest in Durban.

2. The conference has been hijacked by radical Muslims who have been forcing their view about Israel upon virtually every event. During the speech by President Thabo Mbeki I witnessed how the Palestinian groups, strategically placed with banners all over the stadium, rudely interrupted to shout slogans against Israel and hold up banners for the hundreds of international reporters, with venomous words such as "George Bush - You Have Palestinian Blood On Your Hands".

3. The Yin-Yang symbol used as the conference logo is not just by accident. This New Age symbol sets the tone for the whole conference. Generally, the Yin Yang tries to make us think that all things are one, including good and evil.

4. Trying to solve the problems of sinful man without Christ always produces a Christless answer, which is useless and only leads to more sin. Besides the radical Islamist presence there was a tangible anti-Christian atmosphere. The one suggestion of religion was a little hut on the field at the Kingsmead stadium (where the NGO Conference was held), inviting delegates to "experience the power of silence". It was sponsored by an Eastern religious group.

In Conclusion:
The Ying-Yang symbol of the WCAR gives no foundation for righting wrongs because good and evil are considered equals. On the other hand Christianity provides the rational basis for pursuing justice and peace. Let each believer in Jesus Christ.
Racial prejudice is a sinful attitude and God's people must strive to be free from every form of it. Even the Apostle Peter needed God's revelation to free him from his inherited racist attitudes towards Gentiles. Instead of trying to force others to treat you well, which is the dominant feature at the WCAR, show others the love which you would like to be shown. "Do unto others as you would have done to you." Thus, you will not be demanding human rights but giving them to others. More than that, you show forth God's love for all people.

(own photographs)

(to download or listen to interviews, including chanting Palestinians and one on one interviews with the opposing sides click here)