A Pastoral Response Concerning Black Lives Matter & Racial Injustice
As we have been confronted by the unjust deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, we recognize that we are witnessing the brokenness and brutality of racism in the world. Our disturbed hearts have led so many around the world to raise a collective voice of protest against racial injustice. The heart behind these protests is a cry against racial injustice; a cry to which our church should lend our voice.
We also feel the unease in our souls as we confront our personal response to the generations-long, systemic sin and racism of our institutions and culture. We humbly acknowledge that we, so very much, need God’s Spirit right now to help us process, ground our understanding, and respond to this moment with faith in Jesus.
As a church, below are some of the initial ways we respond:
We lament the deaths of Mr. Floyd, Mr. Arbery, Ms. Taylor among the many others who, as image bearers of God, have been treated as far less because of the colour of their skin. We grieve that such sin is so pervasive. We mourn with their families who dearly miss the person they loved and who loved them.
We remember that there is a consistent call throughout Scripture for God’s people to be a blessing and a light to the nations¹ through our trust and worship of God. This worship of God is expressed by doing justice, loving kindness, walking humbly², loving our neighbours as ourselves³. We remember that God also calls us, and especially those with authority, to share his particular care for the vulnerable in society⁴. We remember that God is righteous and just and holds people to account for how the least powerful are treated⁵.
We repent of the ways we, ourselves, have been complicit in racist behaviour, living out false narratives, averting our eyes to seek our own comfort, and staying silent to keep the peace instead of seeking to make true peace.
We pray:
for Jesus’ care to be experienced by all our black brothers and sisters who live with the shadow of racism over their lives, are weary of this evil, yet long for justice;
for justice to be pursued by officials;
that we would continue to engage with Christ-like empathy and compassion; and
to be guided into all truth, seeking to learn of others’ experiences and listen to the voices who have been in this with faith, discerning how we can begin to work for justice now.
We stay close to Jesus so that this can be a defining/refining moment for us. Our hope, and work, is sustained only as we stay close to Jesus. Let us hold on to our faith that says: Christ alone brings salvation⁶ for the world, gives us new hearts and is committed to bearing in us fruit⁷ that results in deep change and transformation. And while it can come swiftly, more often we know that deep change and formation takes time, both in ourselves and in the world.
We engage in conversations on racial injustice. We’ve heard that many of you are talking to your friends, family and kids about this, using your voice to amplify the voices of others. Let’s keep the discussions going. May the Spirit do the work of refining our sorrow into concern over, indignation at, and alertness to the injustices in the world; that it would produce sincere passion, desire, and readiness to see justice done.⁸
We hope in Jesus’ faithful work of bringing the Kingdom of God here on earth. We believe that it is for the renewal of all creation and all people, including our systems and institutions. We are humbled that we are called as followers to join in his work. We hold the tension between our desire to see the Lord work now, and the reality that we are engaged in work that may take generations, and perhaps only completed in the new heavens and new earth⁹. But Jesus is faithful and we endeavour to follow him, looking to the day when every nation, tribe, and tongue are gathered together and healed in his presence.¹⁰
As we wait: Lord, lead us to respond in Kingdom ways to stand in solidarity with our black sisters and brothers who are leading us in the cry for justice.
- VCC EM PASTORAL STAFF
Biblical References
¹ Isaiah 49:6
² Micah 6:8
³ Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:31
⁴ Exodus 22:21-22; Deuteronomy 10:17-19; Psalm 82:3-4; Matthew 25:31-40
⁵ Isaiah 10:1-2
⁶ John 14:6
⁷ John 15:5
⁸ 2 Corinthians 7:10-11
⁹ Matthew 13:31-33
¹⁰ Revelation 7:9; 21:1-5
Resources for Racial Reconciliation
So what can I do? How do we as Christians stand for justice with the black community? To walk humbly with our God, we are called to listen, learn, reflect, dialogue and act. Here are some resources to help us listen to the stories of our Black brothers and sisters and reflections on how we can stand together.
Listen to the sermons from the last two Sunday services and join us this Sunday as the Rev. Dr. Esther Acolatse from Knox College shares upon the Holy Spirit and the work racial reconciliation.
The Cineplex Store is making available movies that elevate Black stories, artists and filmmakers to spark discussion. These films are available to view at no cost.
Illustrated Ministry has curated a list of resources for further learning. Recommended by Knox College and gathered for an American context, but enlightening for Canadians also.
Do you know of other helpful resources, especially with a theological perspective? Send them to admin@vccem.com to add to this list.