PUBLISHED EACH THURSDAY " THE CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE "Bafldiqg Communicative Bridges PEMBROKE, N.C In A Trf-Udl Siting' ROBESON COUNTY VOLUME 11 NUMBER 23 25c PER COPY THURSDAY JUNE 9, 1983 A Front Page Editorial INDIANS CONFRONT RACISM AND CONDESCENSION IN METHODIST CAMP METHODIST COLLEGE -Vernon Tyson, superintendent of the Wilmington Dis trict of the Methodist Church, stated the case bluntly: "If the individual (Rev. Simeon Cummings) were not a Native American we would not even be discussing this....I've seen his resume and it's not all that great. He's a good man but he's not qualified to be superintendent...." Tyson also noted that Rev. Cummings is not "a seminary graduate." Tyson seemed to express the senti ment of the majority of North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church which convened last Sunday at Methodist College in Fayetteville for four days (June 5-9). The annual convocation determines actions and ministries of the Methodist Church for the future. The conference acted upon a number of resolutions, including a resolution to prohibit homosexuals from entering the ministry, security and peace in Central America, public utility rates and their impact upon poor people, drunk driving and the needs and concerns of the aged poor. out v/nt iTTswiuiivn HI1MWI|11 llWIgiy ignored was one presented by delegates from Robeson County asking for appoint ment of an Indian superintendent to the Rockingham District, even though more than 200 Native American Methodists held a protest march and peaceful assembly Sunday afternoon to support the appointment of an Indian (specifical ly Rev. Simeon Cummings) as District Superintendent. The protest was ignored as the conference appointed Rev. William W. Sherman. Jr. as superinten dent of the Rockingham District, the district that the predominate Indian Methodist Churches in Robeson County belong to. The protestors are expected to present a resolution today asking that an Indian be appointed superintendent by 198-4. And the conference is expected to ignore and deny that resolution. Too. the condescending attitute of the conference delegates and administrators and bishop has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Indian Methodists. Barney L. Davidson, president of the church council, said Sunday that a Native American had never been appointed to the church council (made up of the 12 district superintendents and Bishops which make up the Eastern District) because none had ever been qualified. Davidson was quoted as saying. "Normally someone front a large church and a large congregation (is chosen). The cabinet was unanimous. We just don't feel they (Native Americans) have anyone qualified." out ine Indian protestors disagreed firmly, carrying signs that read: "Think!". "Native Americans are loyal Methodists." "After 100 years, still no superintendent." "If not now....w hen?" And similar messages. And the Native Americans marched "noblv around the auditorium where the conference was being held, w ith bearing and dignity. This editorialist did not observe a single Methodist (including Bishop William R. Cannon, or District Superintendent Joseph Bethea. a black.. ...(Rev. Bethea is finishing up his term which concludes with this conference) offer a visible expression of concern. Most seemed afraid to be seen with the Indians. The delegates went about their business, seeming to be modeled after a political convention w ith lots of ritual, resolutions and old fashioned politicking. It seented to us a sad commentary, speaking to the worst in our Methodist brothers. We saw few expressions of Christian love. The callous disregard. lack of expressed love, and denigating of character (like publicly holding Rev. Cuntniings up to public scorn as being in their opinion, "unqualified"), did not elevate the Methodist convocation to greatness. And it reminded us of something a Black leader said once: "Things seent better on the surface but worse underneath in the region of a man's heart where he truly resides." Said Harbert Moore, a leader of the protest. "The church's altitude is what ?causes while people to think minority people aren't as good as they are." Moore noted sadly. "To us it's a form Of racism." Adolph Dial. Chairman of Pembroke Siaie's Indian Studies Department, and like Moore a member of Prospect United Methodist Church (one of the largest Indian churches in America) said, "at first they said it was the money...but 1 think it's pure racism. There's an oligarchy system in this conference that's really strong. But we're not going to stop. We'll keep Irving; if we don't gel it this week then next. We'll have A district superintendent in five years.'" V "We must obey our conscience and our belter judgement." said Davidson. "We examined at length the man they felt should be district superintendent and we were in full agreement. We don't think he or any other Native American Indian meets the qualifications." Charles Smith, another district super intendent piously said. "It saddens me that so much anger and disappointment is being expressed..." But Rev. Simeon Cummings corrected him. "Charlie, that's not anger...It's love!" Kcv. l umniings. now t>z. ana long active in Methodist circles, stood quietly by the entrance way to the auditorium as the demonstration took place. For merly a delegate to the national convocation of the Methodist Church, he is now director of the Robeson County Cooperative Ministry (encompassing Sandy Plains. PhMadelphus, Collins Chapel and Ashpole Churches). He also serves as full time pastor of Sandy Plains United Methodist Church and w as pastor of Prospect United Methodist Church for twenty years. Prospect's membership increased from 250 in 1953 to more than 600 in 1973 when Cunimings became coordinator of Outreach Ministries for 5 years for the North Carolina Methodist Church, representing 65 churches in 56 eastern North Carolina Counties. Said a layman knowledgeable about Methodist affairs, "the only thing they can use against Cunimings is the fact that he did not graduate from a seminary...and they're going to hold to that..." Said an Indian participant. "It's a sad story but we ought not to be surprised. It is a culmination of 200 years of mistreatment of Indians in this country. And it took this for many of us to open our eyes wide w ith understanding. Racism and condescen sion can wear robes too. Remember the Sanhedrin?" And if Rev. Simeon Cunimings is not , qualified then there is something wrong with the Methodist qualifying process, as we see it. And. too. is it not also a matter ??f the heart? Of committment to a proud people? And can an IndiJti ever be qualified if while, conservative clergv continue to make, enforce, and interpret the rules of inclusion? EDITOR'S NOTE Bo sure and read page 9 and 10 of the Carolina Indian Voice for an indeptW interview with James A. Jones. Principal of Prospect School. This interview appeared in the Sthool News Service BULLETIN and ?i< submitted to us by Walter G. Otendine. Public Information Coordinator for the Robeson Counts Schools. EDITOR'S NOTE at . Organizers Adoiph Dial, Harberl Moore lead march around the auditorium to protest lack of Indian presence in Methodist Church Council. | Bruce Bur Ion photo | Dr. R?||uM Oxeadiac wa too (her of 4 W v J ?bowed their concern by "marching for Jnedce." (Brace Barton photo| . A A . Prospect Graduation Ceremony held * MM !, endeavors. We have just finished one stage of our life and whether we are prepared or not another stage h about u> begin. Because Continued Page 2 . " > 'Lut . ?ffimr - .-A . i PEOPLE *~1 AND PLACES AND THINGS BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC Pembroke Rescue Squad will be holding a Blood Pressure Clinic Saturday. June II. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Pigglv Wiggly Store, Pembroke. This will be a free service to the citizens of Pembroke and surround ing communities. SPONSORS NEEDED Any business person, merchant, professional or individual interested in sponsoring a contestant in the 1983 Miss Lumbee Pageant, please contact Mrs. Florence Ransom at LRDA Center for the Arts Annex. 521-2401. ill THANK YOU The Department of Social Service greatly appreciates volunteer service rendered bv. the citizens of Robeson County in the May 14th distribution of surplus commodities. The volunteer turnout was great in all of the areas. They would like to thank each person and church who had a part in making the distribution a success in Fairmont. Lumberton. Maxton. Parkton. Pem broke. Red Springs. Rowland and St. Pauls. Tidbits From the Editor WASHINGTON-As you read this, I'm happily promoting my book-Brace Bar ton's Best of As I See lt-in the Washington DC area, thanks to former Robeson natives. Helen Maynor Scheir beck. W.J. Strickland, and others who now live in the Washington. DC area. They have arranged an appearance for me on a Washington. DC television station and an autograph party at W.J. Sloan, a swank DC department store. I've heard. I will be shamelessly promoting my book as I have many to sell before the book maker is satisfied and paid for his labors. More about this next issue. Pray for ntc and. of course, wish me well. I'll do the same for vou. COMPUTERS SUBSCRIBERS AND MORE Wc are atlempiing to make our subscribers list error-free. We haven't gotten to that point yet but that it where wc are heading. Thanks for being patient with us. Wc are now putting our subscribers on a computer will cut down on the errors as soon as we get this computer business down pat. If you feel as if your subscription has been mishandled, please call us at 521-282b and we'll make every effort to make things right. We want you to read the Indian Voice: that's our whole purpose for existing, to write interesting news items and opinions and thought pieces that excite and motivate you and make you feel good about the Lumbee experience. Too. the computer is allowing us to monitor our subscribers better. We'll be able to keep up w ith when vou paid last and send you a renewal notice on time. And. the sad part is well probably have to take a lot of people off our mailing list because we're finding out that many haven't renewed their subscriptions and/or paid for the one they are now receiving. Help us. Renew. We need you honestly If vou owe us for a subscription we will appreciate it very moth If y?u w ill pay us If we take your name off by mistake please forgive us aud uSbar as ? he opportunity of righting the Ulllg. God Bless each of you. Hrip us reach 5.000 subscribers. Wc can do it to*nher. Guest Speaker at Awards Banquet ?Dennis Lowers One of the highlights of Lumbec Homecoming 1983 will be the Lumbee Awards Banquet. This banquet will be held at the Pembroke Javcee Building on June 30. 1983 at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of this affair is to present four (4) prestigious awards to Lumbees who have dedicated their lives to the plight of the Lumbec People. -These awards are: 1.) Business Person Award. 2.) Henry Berry Lowrv Award. 3.) Distinquishcd Service Award. 4.)Advancemcnt of Education Award. Guest speaker for this affair will be Mr. Dennis Lowery. President and*. Owner of Continental Industrial Chemi cals. inc. based in CharlMte. NC. His company is the largest minority owned chemical company in the United States with sales of S26 million annually. The son of Mr. Sc Mrs. Zeb Lowery of Pembroke. Our Guest Speaker is well know n throughout Robeson County since he grew up here, graduated from Pembroke Senior.High and Pembroke State University (B.A. Degree) in I9b4. Mr. Loyrety has distinquishcd himself as one of the leading businessmen in the state of North Carolina. Presently, he is Chairman of the Board of two (2) companies: I.) Indo Corporation. 2.) 'Specialty Chemical Company. He has received the following awards: 1.) Small Business Person of the Year for North Carolina. 1979. 2.) North ?Xgr?l children: Shelley. Dana, and Brandon. A buffet dinner will be catered aad upon completion of the program agenda, entertainment.w? be provided by R St R Disco lijc. Tickets