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Lamenting Racism

6/3/2020

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by Rev. Mitchell C. Hescox and Rev. Jeremy Summers
Picture
A mural in Minneapolis by Xena Goldman, Cadex Herrera, Greta McLain, Niko Alexander, and Pablo Hernandez
Any form of inequality is sinful and unbiblical. As evangelical Christians whose faith traditions deplore any acts of white supremacy and racial injustice, we join in mourning Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. These wrongful deaths illustrate the ongoing prevalence of racism in our society. 

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12. These words of Jesus define our ministry and guide our mission. Therefore, we are compelled to speak out to society at large and especially to others in the evangelical community. Any affront to a child of God must be an affront to all Christians and all people. All humans are created in the image of God (Gen 1:26), and what God has created let no one call profane. To keep silent on the injustice of racism is a disregard to Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our pro-life values flow from these teachings. All human life is sacred. Sadly, that Biblical truth has not been equally valued in America. To our brothers and sisters of color, we can stand with you, shield you, love you and proclaim that your life matters. 

The God of the cross and resurrection is a God of love and justice. As such, we as Christians must speak up against evil acts and injustice. “Let justice roll down like a river and righteousness as an ever flowing stream.” Amos 5:24. If we believe those words, we must advocate for justice for the victims and their families, and work together for equality for all people by the Holy Spirit’s power. 

We stand alongside and support the peaceful demonstrations for those grieving both the recent deaths and the overt societal racism, and we deplore the minority of those attempting to turn the rightful peaceful acts of awareness into violence and mayhem. 

Violence, racism, and abuse of power are antithetical to our faith and we condemn the ongoing calls for violence from President Trump via Twitter. It is time to lead with love, and we ask for elected and community leaders at all levels to speak up for love and justice, especially people of faith and church leaders.
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