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Racism comes in many forms -- from overt threats of bodily harm like those recently made at a county high school to more subtle avenues such as "jokes."

That intolerance of differences among people is what a faith-based group here in Blount County wants to stamp out.

Recent events at William Blount High School involving racial threats against African-American students have spurred the Blount County Ecumenical Action Council into speaking out.

The BCEAC is comprised of black and white members, both clergy and lay persons, who represent different Christian faiths.

Members of the council have attended the school board meetings of the Alcoa, Maryville and Blount County school systems recently and made their voices heard through a letter read to the boards. The letter is signed by 35 members.

Council moderator Chaplain S. M. Atchley said the council does not want to place blame on any one school system because it exists in all schools. It's not about finger-pointing but about making positive changes, she said.

The council, as a faith community, feels as much responsibility to teach children to appreciate the differences in individuals, she said.

"There's a tremendous responsibility within the church," said Atchley, an ordained Baptist minister who serves as a hospital chaplain. "It's not one race, it's the human race."

In early April, William Blount High School was locked down by Blount County sheriff's officers after threats of bodily harm were made against African-American students, which included a so called "hit list" with the names of several students on it.

Speaking about change

Council members spoke earlier this week about needed changes in the community and their role in facilitating those changes.

Rev. Willa Estell, a member of the council, said situations of racial intolerance need to be taken seriously as does racial name calling.

"Racism is wrong, not just for the month of May," Estell said.

Students need somebody they feel safe with and can talk to freely.

"That you're going to take this seriously," Estell said. "That's going to be very important."

The council sent a letter to pastors and church leaders last month asking for their help in combating racism.

"While government laws have changed, the hearts of many Americans remain unchanged. Segregation, discrimination and bigotry still exist. Our children, all of them, depend on those of us who are people of faith to protect them against hate crimes and violence. All are God's children worthy of respect and dignity," the letter said.

Council members emphasize that the foundation of what they do is based on the word of God, who looks at all people the same way. The council wants to open a dialogue with the school systems and the community in an effort to eliminate racism.

One way this can be done is to teach children to appreciate the differences in people and help them realize their lives can be enriched by having friends who are different, council members said. It's a lesson that adults can learn as well.

Listening sessions

The council has a history of confronting racism in the community, said Presbyterian minister Ann Owens Brunger, who is a minister at large.

Listening sessions have been held with white members listening to the stories of African-Americans, said Brunger, who serves as council secretary.

Minority council members have also met with local law enforcement officials to make their concerns known. Community services with religious and racial diversity have been held.

One of the more recent programs to promote understanding and enlightenment between the races were study groups involving members of St. Paul AME Zion Church and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.

Estell, pastor at St. Paul, said a few members from each church met once a week for six weeks to discuss racial issues. It gave participants a chance to speak their minds in an atmosphere of respect and understanding, she said.

Some people don't think they are racist until the issue is examined, she said.

"For the white people who attended ... I think it was enlightening that racism is still alive," said Estell, who served as one of the facilitators. "For the African-Americans present, it was an opportunity to say `I was hurt.' It was an opportunity for openness ... and just building relationships."

The study circles used the book "Facing the Challenge of Racism and Race Relationships: Democratic Dialogue and Action for Stronger Communities."

Some of the participants were shocked at the stories that they heard, she said. The study circle ran the gamut of emotions from crying to laughing, but it fostered a healthy understanding.

Estell said two groups have already met, and from those two groups, two people are supposed to go out and facilitate another group from other churches so the program grows.

Sharing stories

James Blair, a church member of St. Paul AME Zion Church, participated in one of the groups.

"I liked the tone of it, and the opportunity that allowed the members there to express themselves," said Blair, who is also treasurer for the council.

Blair said the council has been active in dealing with racism, but its efforts need to be more ongoing and consistent.

A retired military officer, Blair knows first-hand the hurtfulness of "jokes." Blair recalled occasions where white officers would ask him what the African-American officers were up to simply because they talked together at an officer's club.

A well-respected community member and church leader, Estell has felt the bite of racism here in this community. One Sunday after church, she stopped at a local grocery store for a few items. Her teenage son and a friend of his were with her. While in the store, they wandered off on their own and soon the store was calling for security in the area where her son was.

Estell, still dressed in her church attire, hurried over there, and the store employee who was following the teenagers saw her and stopped.

"We have a lot of work to do," she said.