Rev Brooks Is Upset By African-American Clergy Being Snubbed By Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra

1. Let’s see, we have a Roman Catholic, a Protestant, a Jew, and a Muslim, who all have some theological connection with Elijah. And we have a conductor who is a music professional. What else do you need? Oh, I forgot, we need a rep from Kanye West. Sorry Rev. Brooks, what makes you so special or what makes you think your theological realm isn’t covered?

2. You’ll be okay Mr. Brooks
   for another tidbit of info they didn’t invite me either

3. While I understand Rev. Brooks being upset that none of the African-American faith community was included in this, I suspect Maestro Savia chose his participants with the idea of putting butts in seats at the presentation of his Oratorio. Rev. Kinkade’s background in marketing seems well-suited to helping him meet that objective. I’m wondering about the City Church he leads. It says online that they meet at the Centre, which is now the Old National Banks Events Plaza, but it lists the address as 314 Market St.

   The bottom line is that I believe most of the clergy in this city has more important things to spend their time and energy on.

   • Please excuse the lack of empathy and understanding shown by the above posters.

     • Don’t feel like you have to apologize for my comments, LKB. I stand by them, and if they hurt anybody’s feelings it says more about the reciever of the message than the sender.

       BTW, with this statement: “I suspect Maestro Savia chose his participants with the idea of putting butts in seats at the presentation of his Oratorio.” you seem to be flat out opining that people who might attend an ‘African American’ church would NOT attend/appreciate the type of intellectual and artistic discussion afforded by the EPO with this program. Rev. Brooks clearly disagrees, so are you just stereotyping, or is that an actual racist comment? Get back with me on that, would you? No rush… 🙂

       • You probably need to read what is written, which was that a clergyman with a background in marketing could probably be more help selling seats than someone without that kind of education. Period. Dot. End.
         You seem to have a little problem with projecting your own flaws onto others, DB!

         • I am happy to bear my own flaws, no projection needed, LKB.

           I absolutely read what you wrote, always do. Your posts are generally noteworthy. You did mention that Rev. Kinkade seems to be good at marketing, but that certainly doesn’t explain why the other panel members were selected. Do you think they were all selected due to their marketing ability? If so, I understandably missed that implication, since you only called out one panel member by name as possessing a skill for marketing.

         • I would assume that it is because they are representative of the other major religious groups in the area. That makes sense, doesn’t it? My conjecture is that Rev. Kinkade was chosen from a rather large pool of Protestant Christians because of his marketing background. Get it?

4. I am a former member of the board of directors of the Evansville Philharmonic and a supporter of some of their events. I just offered my perspective and concern. I certainly was not suggesting that I was being overlooked. I am not a scholar. There are African American scholars in our community who could offer a theological perspective on Elijah that the others might miss. I stand by my concern. I received this invitation and responded.

   • With due respect, you ABSOLUTELY suggested you (a clergyman) were overlooked due to your race. Verbatim from the published email:

     “So you don’t think that AFRICAN-AMERICAN CLERGY (emphasis added) can have substantive discussions about faith. I am appalled that you would think this obvious exclusion is even appropriate.”

     A more Christian (i.e., less inflammatory and no doubt more productive) message could have been sent, in private, to the organizers of this event. Something along the lines of:

     ============================================

     “Maestro Savia, I was very interested to see the program the EPO is presenting on Feb. 21st at St. Benedict’s and appreciate the invitation. It’s a great idea for a forum, and I think the unique perspective a local African American scholar or clergy member would bring to this discussion could be a very valuable addition. I plan to be in the audience along with (insert names of other clergy or scholars) and wanted to let you know we would be happy to address any comments or questions that may be directed along those lines from members of the panel or audience.

     I look forward to attending what will no doubt be an educational and enjoyable event!”

     =====================================

     See what I did there? Have no concern, however, that your viewpoint will be missed at this event. The wording of your initial email was threatening enough that you’re going to get invited up on stage, or at least will be asked who you WANT invited up on stage to represent your views. Mission accomplished?

   • Rev. Brooks you are still welcome to go , maybe not as an adviser but as a normal person
     ,,,,,,your knowledge on people will always be a plus for everyone

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