There is more than one history in the South

I often worship and preach in a sanctuary without windows. Renaissance Presbyterian Church is an African-American congregation in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They built the structure, brick upon brick, so that it might withstand bombs, shooting, or burning. Stained glass gave way to safety, so when I stand in the pulpit, I always remember where I am.

Lately, when I travel and explain that I'm from Chattanooga, Tennessee, I get one response: “Oh. The South. It’s so racist down there. How can you live there?” I suppose it makes us feel better to imagine that our country’s hatred has been distilled and segregated into one geographic region.

I nod, and agree, “Yes, it's racist.”