NARC

This is a copy of an essay I wrote almost a dozen years ago for a writing class I took at Penn.  Remember where you see dates, I didn't update anything, I just re-copied it. 

N.A.R.C.

For the last three years something very interesting has been going on in Philadelphia,
PA.  Something ethnic, somethingspiritual, something that deserves a little more attention than its been getting. That something is the growth of the National African Religion Congress.  NARC is an organization concerned with giving African-based religions the respect and rights enjoyed by any other established religion in this country. 


At a time when African-American professional women can feel comfortable going to work with braids and locked
hair, then we certainly should be able as a people to embrace those who practice the religion of our ancestors. I think it's time we shook off that Hollywood version of Voodoo and accept that it is not only a part of our history but also our present and if NARC has anything to do about it, all African-based religions will definitely
be a part of our future.  We are coming out of the closet. 

Politics and religion have through history traveled hand in hand.  It was so for Toussaint L'Overture in Haiti, the popes of medieval Europe, Pat Robertson of the Republican Party, and the Black ministers of the Civil Rights era.  We must go beyond personal beliefs and
politics and support the efforts of NARC to bring honor and respect back to the
rites of our ancestors.  The wedding officiated by a Yoruba priest should be every bit as legal as the marriage performed by any Catholic priest or Baptist minister.  This is just one of the fronts being challenged by NARC on behalf of all certified priests, priestesses, babalawos,
and others so qualified. 


NARC has published a directory of priests and priestesses including all the papers presented at the last
International Congress held in Philadelphia last April, 2000.  It is truly a must have reference for the state of African-based religions in this country today.  It gives the latest progress in legislative gains throughout the country, there are explanations of the practices. beliefs, and initiations of various religions. There is also a list of clergy, their titles and bios. 


Be aware that such an organization as NARC exists.  Be alert to news of NARC and most importantly be supportive.  If you’ve never heard of NARC and/or know nothing about African based religions you can still be supportive of their efforts and expand that support to other religions as well. First of all just open your mind to the fact that in the United States we have freedom of religion. Theoretically that means we show the same respect for all religions, but of course in reality we don’t.  I recently watched a video about a situation
on a Native American reservation where law enforcement officers went into a
sweat lodge to arrest a man.  Sweat lodges are holy places where spiritual rituals are being conducted.  Could you imagine the FBI going into St. Patricks Cathedral, and interupting the mass to arrest a mafioso?  I don’t think so. 


Once your mind is open to accept that religions different from your own are just as valid as yours don’t allow them to be disrespected in your presence. 
Point out to your children when they watch television or go to movies that representations of the beliefs of indigenous peoples in the popular culture are usually at best flawed and at worst racist.  Examine yourself.  Ask yourself what do I believe about these religions; do I consider them religions; where did I get my information; is it fair?  And remember that self proclaimed christians at various points in history have persecuted Jews as Christ killers
and considered African slaves less than human.  It’s the 21st century people, wake up!  


We owe it to our ancestors to no longer act ashamed of them and this very special part of the heritage they passed on to us and not to continue that same disrespect to the beliefs of others.