But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Amos 5:24
Dear Members of The Body,
It’s been a couple weeks now since White Supremacists rallied at Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, VA and clashed with counter protesters, killing one person. Our country is still stinging from the evil and hatred that marred that community. As a white male with security and advantage I could carry on with my life and not experience a difference; at least not on the surface. But what I know is that my silence, and the silence of other white people with voice and influence, perpetuates racism in our country. The White Supremacy movement is a blight on the soul of our nation and it spits in the face of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Racism was prevalent at the founding of our country and it’s not likely to disappear soon. But as persons of faith in a God of justice and righteousness, we are compelled to not forget. We are compelled to cooperate with the Spirit of Christ who calls us to a different way of life. So what can we do?
Jim Wallis from Sojourners shares five things churches can do in response to the events at Charlottesville. 1: Denounce the sin of racism from the pulpit. (I hope you’ve heard us do that). 2: Repent of our own racism and our reluctance to act against it. 3: Pray for those who are racist and show them love. Pray for God to show us a new way. 4: Find your prophetic voice. Speak out against the evil of racism and work for justice. 5: Support policy changes that promote racial and economic justice.
I wonder how did the events of Charlottesville affect you?
What are some ways you have responded to this and other acts of racism?
What are you teaching your children about this?
What do you think the church should do?
A group of clergy from the Traverse City area is planning a gathering to help with these questions. “Peace in the Midst: A Community Gathering for Solidarity, Justice and Hope” will take place on Thursday, August 31 at 7:30 PM at the State Theatre.
Come join together with leaders and neighbors from across the community for a 1-hour event promoting justice, peace and solidarity. This is a participatory, family friendly event with leaders from the Christian, Native American, Jewish, Humanist, Buddhist and Nature Based communities. Tickets are free and available at the theater box office via phone at 231.947.3446. Online at www.stateandbijou.org
Hope you can attend. Please share some hopeful ideas on ways we can work for the peace and justice of God who loves all people.
Let justice roll,
Pastor Dale
I can’t comprehend not loving someone or caring for them based on the color of their skin, but this hits closer to home than I ever would like it to. My older daughter has a father who is very racist and has told my daughter things that have made me react almost dumbfounded. I have tried to raise her in an environment that teaches tolerance, and that we are children of God and he loves us all the same! I have had to go farther in this discussion making her see it as she was one of the minority being singled out, to have her fully grasp the severity of this issue, and it is still something that I have to continually talk to her about because she isn’t immersed in culture with much else other than white people. I am working to change this as much as I can, starting with my own children, along with those I will influence in the future, because this is something I am very passionate about. No one has the right to decide who has more value or not, and it seems there will always be people who will think this way. I will pray for my ex-husband that he see the way I see, and that he not use his position of influence as a parent to sway how she feels about people… and that others can see people for who they are… Children of God…LOVE conquers FEAR and HATE!
Well said Erica! We can teach our children well and they will help form the future of inclusivity.
We will be there!
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