Pastor Dr. T. Allen Bethel, one of the most influential civil rights activists in Portland history, passed away on Monday, December 20, 2020. Bethel was born on January 31, 1953. He was 67 years old.
Pastor of Maranatha Church for 26 years, Bethel is known for providing warmth and fellowship to an increasingly diverse congregation in the rapidly developing Sabin neighborhood.
“He’s always been very welcome,” Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty told The Skanner. “It didn’t matter what your religious tradition was, he was always open to conversation and dialogue and building bridges. I will miss that.
“On some of my tough days, I would definitely call him.”
Bethel recently served as president of the Justice and Police Reform Coalition of the Albina Ministerial Alliance, an ecumenical group that advocated transparency and reform in local law enforcement agencies, often in response to police killings.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. T. Allen Bethel, a Portland pioneer of racial justice,” said Chuck Lovell, Portland police chief. “We strive to continue doing our part to realize his vision for our community.”
Billy J. Williams, US attorney for Oregon District, described Bethel as a “true icon of civil rights”.
“Dr. Bethel was a visionary leader who reminded us all that the first duty of society is justice,” Williams said in a statement.
“He was a leader of incredible strength, courage, faith, and dignity. His words excited passion and his work excited deeds. People listened when he spoke because of his impeccable character, demeanor, and passion for change.”
Bethel had served as a pastor at Shawmut Community Church in Boston, Massachusetts for a decade before moving to Portland. He often claimed that he had gotten into the role of a civil rights leader as if he had come to the Pacific Northwest by accident.
“In my 30 years here, he has always been at the forefront of every civil rights battle we have had,” said Hardesty Bethel for its reaction to the police killings of Portlanders like Kendra James. “What I love about Rev. Dr. Bethel is that he would meet up with the family – he actually taught me that – and follow the family’s example so he never got into the media, but ‘What to do? You need someone as a family who lost his life to the police? ‘”
Hardesty said she also admired his openness to a variety of perspectives.
“He was more conservative than me, but the fact that he made room for me to share with the community, his community, and my feelings about anti-gay voting,” Hardesty said. “Ultimately, he said, ‘It’s between you, your ballot and God.’ He trusted me enough to know that I would not be disrespectful to him, his church, or his beliefs, and so we have worked together for the past 30 years. “
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum expressed grief that at that point in the cultural moment she had lost Bethel’s leadership.
“During this difficult time of race accounting and injustice, he taught us love over hate by leading with words and actions,” said Rosenblum. “A great man, he will be missed very much.”
“Dr. T. Allen Bethel was a strong and eloquent voice in Portland who brought grace and wisdom to his work for justice and stronger fellowship,” said Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “I am sad to learn that my friend has died. My condolences go to his family and loved ones. He will be missed very much.”
“I knew Rev. T. Allen Bethel as an end to gun violence, civil rights activist, and beautiful soul,” said Governor Kate Brown.
The Multnomah District Attorney shared a similar sentiment: “Our office is saddened to hear the death of Dr. T. Allen Bethel, a valued member of our community who has devoted his life to combating injustice and inequality. His compassion, guidance and support his entry will do it. ” be our collective motivation to continue his work to do the right thing. “
“We are grateful to Dr. T. Allen Bethel for his leadership and guidance in our community,” agreed Mayor Ted Wheeler.
“It’s a great loss to the community,” said Hardesty, “but man, did he give us a lot when he was here?”
He is survived by his wife Daphne, with whom he was married for 42 years; his son Allen, daughter Monica, sisters Mary Smith of Columbia, SC; Patricia Joyner of Brooklyn, NY; Brothers William Jones of Brooklyn, NY; Samuel Jones of Orlando, Florida; Jack Jones of Queens Village, NY; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren.
The public viewing will take place on Tuesday, December 29th, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Maranatha Church of God at 4222 NE 12th Ave. instead of. According to the COVID protocol for Multnomah County, temperature checks and masks are performed ft. Social distancing is required. Details of the live streaming of the service will be posted on the Maranatha Church Facebook page.
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