From the Governing Board
Broadway Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Columbia, Missouri
The following statement arose as a response to what happened in Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, Virginia, but it also recognizes that the rhetoric and policies of racism and white supremacy are present in our many cities across our country. This hate speech and action often translate into multiple forms of violence and is engendered by groups motivated by bigotry and prejudice, even going so far as to misuse scripture and distort Christian faith to further their cause:
As the leadership of Broadway Christian Church
We affirm
God's delight in all creation, prophets who reject oppression, Jesus who valued all persons regardless of their identity, and the Spirit which renews and reveals God's equal love for all humanity.
We proclaim
that if speech and actions do not reflect this love, they are not of God. Hate and violence are stark contradictions to God's will. True faith is fulfilled in lives full of love, justice and mercy.
We denounce
evil and stand with those who resist oppression, bigotry, racism, and supremacy anywhere and anytime.
We confess
that we have often failed to attain this high calling of love and have perpetuated the same offenses we deplore in our own communities of faith.
We invite
all people of good will and deep faith to join in this vision of unity and peace through prayer, speech and action.
