From Faithful America, edited
For Pentecost is we remember that the church was founded when tongues of fire descend filling the disciples with the Holy Spirit...We envision the resurrected Jesus breathing the Spirit on his disciples, yet even as the birth of the church is celebrated, we are aware that fires blaze in our cities, and remember the last words of George Floyd, Eric Garner, and countless others...
"I can't breathe."
Given Pentecost's reminder that the Holy Spirit alights on all God's children... as well as the checkered racial history of majority-white churches and denominations --
Christians have a special obligation to rise up and speak out against... police violence and white supremacy,...
Many may already be engaged, but more is clearly needed.
Different places require different steps. Instead of a one-size-fits-all national approach,
we ask you and your church to... keep educating yourselves about white supremacy, police violence, and antiracism -- and to take additional new action for justice. How do we do that? To read and Study more on the Issue. Pay attention to your local context, and Put faith into action
1. Study the issue
Take time to learn more about black theology, and the history of race in America,...Resources include:
Black Theology & Black Power or
The Cross and the Lynching Tree by the Rev. Dr. James Cone,
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander,
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, or
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.
2. Pay attention to your local context
Questions you might want to ask local organizers: How many complaints have been lodged against local law enforcement? What is the process for handling complaints? How often does your prosecutor hold officers accountable? Is there a citizens' oversight board?...Does it have actual authority or is it just for show?
3. Put faith into action
The Minnesota Council of Churches has asked Christians to be
Present with those who grieve,
Protest, push for
Prosecution, and
Pray.
Find out if there are protests in your area -- and then show up. In the Civil Rights Movement, people of faith and clergy led the protests. Today,... we let the voices of diverse young leaders show the way...
Finally, examine your own life, workplace, schools, and church... This is how we love our neighbor, and join Jesus in responding to the injustices of our time.
In peace,
Rev. Nathan and the Faithful America team
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