I can’t help but feel deeply troubled by the news of the Washington National Cathedral unveiling its new racial-justice-themed stained glass windows. The decision to replace the previous depictions of Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson is one that I find deeply unsettling.

The Cathedral argues that these new windows, titled “Now and Forever,” are meant to depict protestors holding placards with messages like “no foul play” and “fairness.” They claim this is a symbol of a “new chapter” in the monument’s artistic and architectural legacy. While I am all for promoting justice and fairness, I can’t help but question the necessity of replacing historical depictions with what appears to be a heavy-handed political message.

The previous stained glass windows of Generals Lee and Jackson were deemed “offensive” and “a barrier to the ministry of this cathedral.” This statement from the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith troubles me even more. These men, flawed as they may have been, were part of our nation’s history. Are we now going to erase all aspects of our history that make us uncomfortable?

Rev. Hollerith’s comments about recommitting the Cathedral to “fairness for all Americans, but especially for African Americans” are noble, but I worry that this approach of erasing the past in the name of progress is shortsighted. Yes, there is much work to be done to confront systemic racism and foster racial reconciliation, but we should do so through dialogue, understanding, and education, not by simply removing historical figures from view.

The artist responsible for these windows, Kerry James Marshall, compared the Biblical fall of humanity with the creation of America. While I respect his perspective, I can’t help but feel that this is a misguided attempt to equate the past with the present. America’s history is complex, filled with both triumphs and failures, and we must acknowledge and learn from it rather than replace it with symbols that may be politically fashionable today.

Furthermore, it’s concerning to see the involvement of foundations like the Ford Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, and Steven Spielberg’s Heartland Foundation in supporting this project. It raises questions about the motivations behind such a drastic change in the Cathedral’s artwork.

In conclusion, while I believe in the importance of addressing racial injustice and promoting fairness for all, I am disappointed by the Washington National Cathedral’s decision to replace its stained glass windows. As a Catholic mom, I believe that preserving our history and engaging in meaningful conversations about it is essential for our growth as a nation. Erasing the past does not lead to true progress; it only serves to obscure our shared history and the lessons it can teach us.