Critical Race Theory drew heated debate among members of the Southern Baptist Convention, the nation's largest and predominantly white denomination, at their annual meeting. The theory examines systemic racism in institutions and the law, which ultimately benefits white people. Pastor Eddie Jones of Victory Temple Baptist in Greenville, says they joined the denomination in 1987, the first African American church in the state to do so. He believes African American history should be addressed.
"As people begin to be exposed to a lot of truth that happened that has been sorta been swept underneath the rug, people's eyes are being opened. I think the church is going to have to deal with it or even if we start with a dialogue. You can't ignore the past," said Jones.
SBC adopted a resolution that includes language rejecting any theory that defines a person by ethnicity. Critics call it too vague others want Critical Race Theory specifically named in the document. Jones says there is racism in the organization but there are a lot of good people who want to do great things. He adds he was attracted by their mission work and has planted churches in other states. Rev. Roosevelt Jones of Evergreen Baptist Church, also in Greenville, says he joined SBC in 2001, to promote multicultural worship.
"We had other cultures to worship with us for a long period of time. Some are deceased and then we worship together with other churches here in the city," said Johnson.
Johnson agrees there is racism in the SBC but Critical Race Theory has turned into a political issue that shouldn't be mixed with religion because it won't work. About 59 African American churches in the state are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.
