Infighting Will Destroy SCLC Says Joseph Lowery

Infighting "Will Destroy the Organization," Says SCLC Co-founder Joseph Lowery

http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=146169&catid=3

By Doug Richards
7/9/2010

Rev. Joseph Lowery co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership
Conference in 1957 with Martin Luther King, Jr.

Until now, Lowery hasn't spoken publicly about the power struggle
that has paralyzed the SCLC and put two competing leadership factions
in court.

Here are excerpts of Lowery's interview with 11Alive News.
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"It's very sad. It's contrary to everything we stood for. We set out
to help the world find ways to resolve its problems, in the context
of non-violence and mutual respect and the common good. And here we
are ourselves, a poor example of how to solve conflict. And I'm very
sad, very sad.

I don't think it can exist like this (for) long. I think Berniece
(King) said the other day, she said what was happening was a
"suffocating" experience. I think she's right. I think what's
happening now will destroy the organization. It's so contrary to what
the organization is all about.

SCLC cannot afford to let its energies be consumed in such
foolishness. Every minute, every hour spent in inner conflict and
mess, takes away from the time that ought to be spent addressing the
evils of the world. When we don't do that, we don't fulfill our
mission... and it's time for us to think about our existence. I'm
very sad, very sad."

(Question: Are either of the two factions right?)

"I think they're both wrong. I think SCLC's history compels those who
are committed to the spirit of SCLC to sit down and resolve their
problems without letting it become the main agenda. That's not our
agenda. That's an agenda the Devil prepared. Not SCLC."

(Question: Is it time to pull the plug on SCLC?)

"I don't know. That's a sad thought for me. I would hope not. But if
it's going to continue this path, it's already come to its end.

As it is now, it is not serving any good purpose. And if they're
going to continue the way they are, they can't last long.

And I'm certain that Dr. King... he's grieving in a terrible way
because of what's happened... If they have any respect for him,
resolve it, and get on the with the business of righting sin. Not
being sinners."

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