Into this mix is the recent chaos in the City of Baltimore. Two things are apparent from the riots which erupted after the tragic death of African-American Freddie Gray while in police custody. First the collapse of the social order has been more rapid than one could have ever imagined. Secondly, the Christian witness has become more critical than ever.

On the surface Baltimore should be a city that is the epitome of racial progress. The city's leadership which includes the mayor, city prosecutor and police and fire chiefs are African American. The police department is almost evenly divided between 50 percent white to 47 percent African-American. Some rate the public schools as the nation's third highest in spending per student while others rank it 20th out of the largest 500 districts. At its very worst it rates within the top 5 percent in financial support.

By the worlds standards Baltimore should be a beacon of success rather than a hotbed of discontent. FBI statistics released in November 2014 show Baltimore with the 5th highest homicide rate in the country. In a nation where the African American illegitimacy average is 70 percent Baltimore remains among the highest in the nation at over 72 percent. This alarming statistic is conveniently overlooked by the city's leadership seemingly more concerned with scapegoats than solutions for the city's perpetually high crime rate and general dysfunction.

The secular culture would have us accept the way to healing and change is through affirmation of behaviors, no matter how egregious. Following the death of Freddie Gray, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's statement to an outraged community that people will be allowed space to "destroy" unmasks the ineptness that regularly passes for normality. Her words did not placate, but were seized upon by thugs as tacit permission to engage in violence and lawless behavior. The massive destruction of personal and business property of the innocent is the inevitable result of continued failed leadership and policies.

In a television interview one young woman proudly carried a sign that read "Black Lives Matter" in her protest against the Baltimore Police. This woman spoke as to convey that she had discovered some great wisdom when in truth all lives that matter. To this chaos and confusion the Church is called to stand in witness.

The past cannot be changed nor will it be overcome until tough issues are met with a rigorous honesty. Continually blaming the past avoids responsibility and fosters a culture of victimization where people remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and hopelessness. The nation's history of racism is well documented, but is no excuse for ignoring facts.

The African-American family unit is in worse shape than it has been in sixty years. According to economist and columnist Walter Williams who is African American the illegitimacy rate among the black community has increased from 14 percent in the 1940's, 18 percent in the 1950's to over 70 percent today. Single African American families have a poverty rate of 28.1 percent but in families remaining intact the rate has remained steady at 8.1 percent for the past two decades.

Toya Graham has become a "Cause Celebre" for her spirited, some might say excessive, rebuke of her son for joining in the Baltimore riot. The video of her slapping him went viral and surprisingly she received widespread support across ideological lines.

Graham, a single mother of six, regularly experiences destructive violence in her neighborhood and lives in fear her son could become another casualty. Her observation that: "To stand up there and to vandalize police officers, that's not justice", is a powerful witness to the varying perspectives within the community.

Bishop of Maryland Eugene Sutton is uniquely situated to serve as a witness to positive changes and progress in our country. In a diocese that is predominately white he is the first African American to be elected Bishop of Maryland in its 227 year history. Although he grew up in Washington DC his grandparents were from eastern North Carolina and they were most certainly not immune from discrimination. I do not know what personal discrimination he has encountered, but he has achieved significant success in his life.

The Diocese of Maryland's recent experience should serve as a reminder that in a sinful and fallen world success is measured in progress not perfection. The diocese failed when choosing a secular model in electing Heather Cook as Suffragan Bishop. It embraced a model more concerned with gender rather than fitness. Warning signs of Cook's problem drinking were intentionally ignored in order to achieve a predetermined result and now the diocese, the wider church, and community are paying an exorbitant price.

The Diocese of Maryland now has the opportunity to learn from its failure. Chilton Knudsen who replaces Cook comes with over thirty years in recovery from alcohol addiction. It will be interesting to see if she is supported and encouraged to model the recovery principles of rigorous honesty, personal responsibility and God's grace to a diocese and community permeated by self deception. It will be no easy task. These principles are in direct contrast to the culture of victimization where no one is ever at fault nor accountable for any unacceptable behavior.

I do not know all of the issues facing the City of Baltimore, but ultimately change will not come from ignoring reality or in disingenuous affirmation. The Gospel proclaims that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Political leaders have the luxury to obfuscate, deny and to transfer blame, but Christians must accept responsibility and move forward.

Bishop Sutton recently wrote that "Violence never works-Ever". He then added peace and justice will only occur when the dignity of every human being is respected. These are good words, but must be reinforced through behavior. When we see signs proclaiming "All Lives Matter" we will know the Church has provided an effective witness and true healing has begun.

Ladson F. Mills III is a priest with over thirty years pastoral experience. He is retired and lives with his wife in South Carolina. He currently serves as Scholar in Residence at the Church of Our Saviour, Johns Island. He is a regular contributor to "Virtueonline."