As ecumenical and immigration policy reform advocates gather in Washington, D.C., this weekend, the United Church of Christ and other denominations are condemning hate speech leveled at Congressional members by Tea Party activists Saturday.

The incident happened as nearly 1,000 Tea Party demonstrators gathered at the steps of Congress, urging a "no" vote on health care reform. Congress members, especially those who had indicated they would vote for the reform bill, were targeted by the jeering crowd who hurled insults at them and attempted to block their passage to the chambers.

Responding to racial and sexual orientation hate speech directed at Congress members Saturday, the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, UCC general minister and president, issued candid remarks urging the UCC and its faith partners to "resist entering into dialog" with those who refuse to respect others' humanity.

I have been watching the activities of the Tea Party for months curious about their underlying motives. Yesterday's events in which members of the Tea Party spit upon a Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) and shouted names that we have not heard in the public square since the days of the Civil Rights movement. Names like "nigger" directed at members of the Black Congressional Caucus and "faggot" at Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) are a disgrace to our nation's civility.

However, I must say that I am not surprised because I have long suspected that racism and homophobia are some of the underlying motives that I have questioned. This is a distraction from real debate about the challenging policy issues before us.

We are not opposed to meaningful and respectful engagement in debate; however, I call upon brothers and sisters in the United Christ of Christ and our faith partners to resist entering into dialog or debate with such demonstrations of hate that go against our Christian understanding to love our neighbors.

James Winkler, the United Methodist Church's general secretary, General Board of Church and Society, issued a concurrent statement condemning the "lack of basic decency" among those who disagree with the public policy of health care reform.

Meaningful and civil discourse in health care reform has been an overarching priority for GBCS as we assist United Methodist churches and represent the United Methodist health care position to elected officials. As Congress debates and deliberates health insurance reform legislation, I have been deeply disturbed by the lack of basic decency and common courtesy among people who have disagreements about public policy.

Yesterday's appalling display by protesters in Washington demonstrates the overtly racist message of too many of the so-called Tea Party and must be denounced by all people.
As Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, (D-Mo.) a United Methodist clergyman, walked to the Capitol, a Tea Party demonstrator spat upon him and referred to him by a vile racial epithet. The following statement from Rep. Cleaver's office demonstrates his deep faith and love for humanity:

"For many of the members of the Congressional Black Caucus, like John Lewis and Emanuel Cleaver who worked in the civil rights movement, and for Mr. Frank who has struggled in the cause of equality, this is not the first time they have been spit on during turbulent times. This afternoon, the Congressman was walking into the Capitol to vote, when one protester spat on him. The Congressman would like to thank the US Capitol Police officer who quickly escorted the others Members and him into the Capitol, and defused the tense situation with professionalism and care. After all the Members were safe, a full report was taken and the matter was handled by the US Capitol Police. The man who spat on the Congressman was arrested, but the Congressman has chosen not to press charges. He has left the matter with the Capitol Police. This is not the first time the Congressman has been called the "n" word and certainly not the worst assault he has endured in his years fighting for equal rights for all Americans. That being said, he is disappointed that in the 21st century our national discourse has devolved to the point of name calling and spitting. He looks forward to taking a historic vote on health care reform legislation tomorrow, for the residents of the Fifth District of Missouri and for all Americans. He believes deeply that tomorrow's vote is, in fact, a vote for equality and to secure health care as a right for all. Our nation has a history of struggling each time we expand rights. Today's protests are no different, but the Congressman believes this is worth fighting for.

Let us not delude ourselves into believing this is an isolated incident. A calculated campaign fomenting hate led up to this incident. In the strongest terms possible I denounce efforts to incite people to acts of racism. Abraham Lincoln's words in his second inaugural address express our fervent prayer, "With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up our nation's wounds, to care for (those) who shall have borne the battle and for (the) widow and (the) orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

I call upon United Methodists to model civil discourse as we seek to ensure that all Americans have health care. Paul's letter to the Church at Corinth are important words for us during this Lenten time "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 18-21).

Organizers of the immigration policy reform rally scheduled for Sunday (March 21) say they are anticipating up to 50,000 participants from around the country. Delegates from around the UCC, including Black and the Rev. Linda Jaramillo, executive minister for the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries, will join in the rally as part of the 2010 Ecumenical Advocacy Days conference.