Among the phrases that immediately arouse my suspicion are:

"I'm a simple country lawyer...."

"We're all good Kerstians here, am I right?"

and...

"I'm not a bigot, but..."

My comment is that YOU don't get to define yourself as a non-bigot (or racist, as the case may be). By bringing the word up, you are introducing the topic and trying to define yourself without giving any evidence in support. I think the reactions on this thread bear out the principle but I didn't see anyone state it obviously.

"By their works ye shall know them"