Circuit Writer - Pastor David's Article
A violent and turbulent season has griped our nation. Protests have called for injustice to be addressed both in systemic and cultural realities. We find the same racial conflicts seen in the early church between Jewish and Gentile audiences continue to manifest themselves in modern communities. The acts of aggression, separation, and unequal balances of power ravage the relationships we share in Christ.
The Council of Bishops are asking United Methodists to read about anti-racism and speak with children, youth and adults about the subject. They also request that United Methodists join in prayer for at least 30 days at 8:46am and 8:46pm for 8:46 minutes, the length of time a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on the neck of George Floyd, killing the 46-year-old African American.
Tragic long histories of murders that are the product of racist systems that devalue lives of color and dehumanize all of us. Just this January and February, we used a study on: The Gospel and Race. This series of sermons is still available at our website with audio files. We have included four weeks of study guides to expand your conversations and study.
There were also some thoughts for meditation provided during this series: Gospel & Race Resources
- “While it’s rarely necessary to die for the sake of another, genuine love usually involves some level of sacrifice. As Christians, we are to show unconditional, selfless love to others—just as Jesus did for us.”—Charles F. Stanley
- “Learn to know Christ and him crucified. Learn to sing to him, and say, ‘Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, I am your sin. You have taken upon yourself what is mine and given me what is yours. You have become what you were not so that I might become what I was not.’” —Martin Luther
- “If you judge people you have no time to love them.” —Mother Teresa
- “Frequently there appears on the stage of history individuals who have the insight to look beyond the inadequacies of the old order and see the necessity for the new.” —Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Lastly, I would offer into this conversation a piece on YouTube that speaks to the anger and pain of our nation. Phil Vischer — creator of “VeggieTales” and voice of Bob the Tomato in the popular Christian animated series — posted a now viral video called “Race in America” that attempts to answer the question: “Why are people so angry?”
Join me in a season of prayer and action. Hear the direction of the Prophet Isaiah when he says:
Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Isaiah 1:17 (NRSV)
There is no more important moment for the church to bridge the unspoken pain of racism, to support those within law enforcement given the nearly impossible task of being a voice of calm and equality, and judicial systems that have too often been a double standard of justice instead of equal justice for all.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor David