Religous leaders convene in Ocean City to address racial tensions

Local religious leaders convened in Ocean City Wednesday to address what they say is growing racial tension in the area.

Rev. Gregg Knepp said the comments he saw beneath a local newspaper’s coverage of an Ocean City boardwalk altercation reflect real racist beliefs.

One comment read “uncivilized, subhuman, black, urban, aboriginal violent terrorists should be caged.”

That’s why Knepp said he felt the need to bring together leaders from local churches and the NAACP to address the issue and sign a declaration that said among other things that racism is sin and a violation of God’s intention for humanity. 

The declaration also states that faith leaders need to address with their congregation any racial issues as they come up because in their view, staying silent is the same as taking part in a racially biased system.

“I think if we don’t join together and work against this kind of horrible hatred that seems to be indigenous in this community that it needs to include all faiths and all of us from all backgrounds to work together,” said Rabbi Susan Warshaw.

Rev.  Doc.  Roxie Dennis with the Worcester County NAACP said she remembers being a young girl in Ocean City and having to walk to the back of the restaurant to get served. 

Dennis said the beach front town has come a long way but there’s still work to be done. 

She adds it will not only come from educating those in her church, but also with a little more training for police in the area.

“So I think with a little bit of training, uh, sensitivity training to know this is what you do because the young people, if they see young officers, they’re kids going to do as kids do; they’re going to challenge them at some point,” Dennis said.

The unifying goal though Dennis said is spreading the knowledge that we all need to love each other and that will only happen by talking and listening.