Thread by @mika_edmondson

Though there is much triumph in Ruby’s story, there is also much tragedy, particularly for the church. It’s almost certain that many of the teachers who refused to teach Ruby, the student who harassed her, & the mobs that threatened her were members of Christian churches.

https://twitter.com/tgc/status/1327666355458465801

Consider how these Christians treated a 6year old child of the church because she was black.

Until we recognize the complicity of the church in creating unsafe and toxic environments for black christians, we won’t completely understand this story.

Can you imagine if deacons and pastors from white churches had helped escort Ruby bridges into an integrated classroom. If they had treated Ruby Bridges as if she was a child of their community, a member of their body, deserving of equal access and education as a coheir in Christ

Can you imagine if Christian teachers had taught her as a daughter and children had befriended and protected her as a sister?

But tragically, they believed the gospel had NOTHING to say to what was happening at William Franz Elementary school. Many churches still think that way

The story of Ruby Bridges is the story of a divided church. Ruby was reared in a church tradition that taught her she was equally accepted, beloved, & dignified in God’s eyes despite what society said..that God intended this spiritual equity to be lived out socially & practically

This was the faith that carried 6 year old Ruby Bridges as she marched between federal troops into William Franz Elementary school, the faith that guided her parents who let her attend. The faith that God’s will has always been freedom, equity, and justice in society.