“Racism has always been a part of America’s DNA, and this week it has raised its head boldly and loudly.” — Father Michael Pfleger, St. Sabina Catholic Church, Chicago

On Tuesday, June 9, at 2:27 pm, Chicago firefighters responded to reports of a fire at the intersection of Columbus Drive and Balbo Dr. in Grant Park, downtown Chicago’s front yard. When they arrived, they found a burning cross leaning against one of the park’s trees.

A burning cross. Leaning on a tree. Let that sink in for a minute. A burning cross has long been associated with the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) who regularly used the symbol to send a message to African Americans, Jews, and other non-white and non-Christian groups. A burning cross is a powerful symbol of white supremacy and racist intimidation. A tree has it’s own symbolism as the place of lynching. Put the two images together, and there is no question about the intention of the person who placed it there and set it ablaze.

The discovery of a burning cross in Grant Park in broad daylight is a disturbing reminder that race-based hatred and violence has been emboldened by the resurgence of White Christian nationalism and this administration’s efforts to marginalize the victims, disenfranchise the votes and silence the voices of of those who threaten the hierarchy of race, class and religion.

If you think I’m over-reacting, consider that in the 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision (Virginia v. Black), Justice Sandra Day O’Conner, wrote that cross burning “is a particularly virulent form of intimidation” and “a State, consistent with the First Amendment, may ban cross burning carried out with the intent to intimidate.”

While “intent” can be difficult to prove, the very act of setting a cross on fire in public should give us all pause–especially in the context of a growing number of violent acts targeting racial, ethnic, sexual and religious minorities across the country.

Whether it is a burning cross, a noose, a swastika, or a “rebel flag”, symbols of domination and intimidation set communities on edge — especially those communities who have experienced harm historically and carry the memories of those experiences in their bodies. As followers of Jesus, we must boldly and explicitly condemn both the symbol and the hatred that hides behind the symbol.

“Love does no harm to a neighbor.” Romans 13:10 “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:6-7

If racism has raised its head boldly and loudly in the past week, God’s people must arise even more boldly and loudly. Love living loud must prevail.