In the past few
days, we’ve received devastating news that Nabra Hassanen, a 17 year old on her
way back from mosque was beaten to death and left in a pond, that Charleena
Lyles, a pregnant mother of four was killed by police after calling them for
help, and that our legal system once again failed to deliver justice in the
acquittal of Jeronimo Yanez for the murder of Philando Castile. For those (especially
people of color) feeling rage, despair,
fear, and in mourning, we are with you. We say their names so that they might never be
forgotten. 
The thread that
ties each of these horrific acts of violence together is as old at our nation
itself; the dehumanization and devaluation of Black and Brown people. The need
to uproot white supremacy in our culture, institutions, and indeed within
ourselves has never been more clear. Yet in these difficult political times,
the creation of policy that might ease the threats of white supremacy seems
increasingly out of reach. 
However, that
does not absolve us, as a predominantly white denomination, to act:
Because of our
biblical understanding of who God is and what God intends for humanity, the
PC(USA) must stand against, speak against, and work against racism. Antiracist
effort is not optional for Christians. It is an essential aspect of Christian
discipleship, without which we fail to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
(Facing Racism: A Vision of the
Intercultural Community Churchwide Antiracism Policy. Approved by the 222nd
General Assembly (2016), PC(USA).)
White supremacy
is insidious in that is seeps into our psyche and into our most private
thoughts. The assumption it produces is that people of color must have done
something bad when they become victims of violence: that Philando shouldn’t
have reached for his wallet, that Charleena was a threat even when she was well
known to officers and had never before tried to harm them, that Nabra said
something to provoke the driver who eventually ended her life. The questions we
should be asking are “are we satisfied with a world where a broken tail light
can get you killed?” “why didn’t Ms. Lyles have access to the mental health
care she needed?” “what kind of world have we created when children coming home
from prayer need be vigilant?”
As we confront white supremacy and the systems it creates,
other questions come to mind. Questions that help us name and remember, and assess
our own commitments. Questions such as:
What provokes
outrage and sorrow?
For whom do we
grieve?
Who will be
remembered and how?
How can our
local congregations combat the systemic evils which claim innocent lives?
How can we
hold accountable those in power who abuse their authority through neglect and
abuse?
What are
appropriate ways we can grieve with families in the midst of such tragic
circumstances?
What are
fitting memorials so that we can work to prevent future horrors?
As the
beneficiaries of unearned privileges wrought by white supremacy, it is
incumbent on white people to do the work of interrupting racism. We ask white
readers of this piece to contribute to our collective memory by memorializing
these souls in some way this week; include their names and circumstances in
your prayers individually and in your corporate worship services, begin the
anti racism study and action group your congregation has been considering,
reach out to local organizations who are working to dismantle white supremacy
and offer talent and treasure, as individuals and as a congregation make the Dear White Christian
(http://auburnseminary.org/dear-white-christians/)
pledge offered by Auburn Seminary and implement the commitments it suggests.
PC(USA) Resources
on Race and Racism:
·
Facing
Racism: A Vision of the Intercultural Community https://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/racialjustice/new_2016_antiracism_policy.pdf
·
The
Facing-Racism Web site provides PC(USA) resources including policies, study
guides, information about training opportunities and more http://facing-racism.pcusa.org/
·
The Engaging
Belhar Web site provides resources related to the Confession of Belhar
As we follow
Jesus in our efforts to challenge white supremacy and establish equity, we
commit that:
In our
affirmation that God loves difference, we will honor diversity as a good in
which God delights. In our conviction that God desires justice, we will learn
from others to broaden our understanding of equality. In our humility as sinful
people, we will listen openly to diverse voices regarding how racism functions
in our society. In our gratitude for God’s grace, we will turn again and again
towards the vision of whole community found in the Word of God. In our joyous
response to God’s love, we will love one another. (Facing Racism: A Vision of the Intercultural
Community Churchwide Antiracism Policy. Approved by the 222nd
General Assembly (2016), PC(USA).)
We hold you in prayer in all your work to dismantle
white supremacy and establish equity as you follow Jesus who lived and taught
of God’s love.
