Washington National Cathedral's Dean Wants to Remove Stained Glass Windows Showing Confederate Flag

[MADem]

http://abcnews.go.com/US/washington-national-cathedrals-dean-remove-stained-glass-windows/story?id=32072532

Each window has an engraved inscription, Eckstrom said -- the inscription on Lee's window describes Lee as a man "without fear and without reproach."

"We're not so sure that in 2015 we can say that Robert E. Lee and the cause that he fought for was without reproach," Eckstrom said.

"Stained glass windows exist to tell a story," Eckstrom said. They are "intended to let the light of God into the assembled worshipers. And right now, with these windows, that light is being filtered through a symbol that we all know is associated with racial supremacy, violence and racism. And the dean doesn't feel like at this point ... that those windows should continue to be a part of the Cathedral's life."

[KittyWampus]

1. IMO, this is an artifact. And it's in context. Counter-balanced by Union panel.

[MADem]

2. The whole article is instructive. The "reproach" comment, particularly.

They could probably design a more appropriate window to commemorate that period in our history.

"There's a difference between observing history and celebrating it," Eckstrom added. "And the dean does not feel this is a part of our history that's worth celebrating."

According to the dean's statement, a group will meet to discuss the future of the Jackson and Lee windows. For now, the Cathedral will put up a display next to the windows to explain their historical context.

The dean also plans to address the windows in his sermon Sunday.

[Spazito]

5. I really like that they are going to explain the historical context...

of the racist flag and it's sordid history, a teachable moment, while they decide what to do about it.

[Nay]

3. I don't think that artifacts like this need to be removed because of the

flag; it's a fair representation of the Civil War and doesn't do anything but depict the actual history of the country. A Confederate flag flying on government property sends a racist message, but this sort of stuff does no such thing.

[MADem]

4. I think some kind of "reproach" is in order, though. Lee was a traitor.

I see nothing wrong with a Civil War window, I just think we might do better at creating one that doesn't lionize the guy that was a traitor and tried to break the country apart...or lionize his lousy flag of hate, either.

They'll talk it out, and figure it out, I'm sure.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

6. Do we need a "National Cathedral"?

We don't have a "National Religion", right?

Anyway, thanks to General Lee for providing us with that nice National Cemetery at Arlington.

[Arugula Latte]

7. Yeah, I always thought that was weird.

Let's propose a "National Mosque" and see how that goes over.

Also, I'd like to see a "National Olive Garden" so those of us who are Pastafarians will have a place to come together and worship. And be family. And eat unlimited breadsticks in fellowship.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

8. I have eaten at a place called "National Coney Island"

good food if you have a few beers in you first.

[hunter]

9. Rework it a bit to something like this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026916793