Comments on: Interview with Clifford Chappell

By: Jan Robertson

Jan Robertson — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:07:11 +0000

As a grateful and humble part of your congregation in North Portland, I want to thank you Pastor Cliff, for practicing what you preach!

By: Lindsey Smith

Lindsey Smith — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:24:56 +0000

I appreciate the light that you are shining on this issue Rev. Chappell as it is complex. What I most appreciate about your approach to opening the dialogue is that you desire it to be a discussion, not a debate or a hostile exchange of idealogies. Im challenged by you each time I read an article you’ve published and each time I hear you share in person. You are opening my eyes to racism and inviting me in to a conversation about it as well as encouraging me to stop being passive regarding it, and to become more aware of the depth and complexity of it. I pray you will keep speaking, writing and sharing. Thank you Rev. Chappell.

By: Scott Frazier

Scott Frazier — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 06:17:12 +0000

Thank you for your work Rev. Chappell. I desire to see Portland as an example of the beauty of diversity worshiping God together as you mention. Maybe with a handful of seasoned veterans like yourself and some intentional, albeit raised ignorant, people like myself, we can see Portland transformed. I look forward to your next article.

By: Weston Ruter

Weston Ruter — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 04:18:05 +0000

I appreciate, Cliff, your invaluable perspective on the issue of racism. Sadly within the homogeneous bubble of the ethnic majority, there is much blindness toward reality. My eyes are further opened by the light you are sharing. Thank you! I appreciate you!

By: Cooky

Cooky — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:56:58 +0000

I appreciated Rev. Chappell’s candid article regarding ongoing race issues in this country, and was struck by how timely in was in view of the many tragic race-related issues which have occurred here in Portland. I continue to appreciate how New Wine, New Wineskins and Drum Majors for Love Truth and Justice have stepped up and stepped out in seeking redemptive ways to discuss these very complex issues of race. Thank you Rev. Chappell for your ongoing courage and boldness. I share your vision…”if we can see our individual differences as a bouquet that enhances the beauty of our diversity instead of as something to divide us, we will begin to see the real beauty that God intended, and celebrate our diversity as we worship and serve our God. ” To that end, we continue on. Amen

By: Ronn E

Ronn E — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:00:49 +0000

Thank you for clearly stating what should be obvious to all of us, but often times is not: That the ghost of Jim Crow is alive and doing quite fine, thank you, in our country. It’s not “if” you write a follow-up column, it’s “when.” I hope that time is soon.

By: Derek C

Derek C — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 06:11:30 +0000

Thank you for the timely post. In light of the New Wine events in April and recent incidents in Portland, this is important conversation to continue. Along with a political climate giving rise to things like Arizona’s illegal immigrant legislation it would be helpful to hear of redemptive, Christ-centered ways to discuss these matters as they pertain to race. I realize these are not solely race issues. Yet the role of race in these concerns shouldn’t be dismissed because some think “we’ve arrived” on racism, as Rev. Chappell indicates.