We, St. Luke Lutheran Church, a majority white congregation, acknowledge the generations of injustice and oppression faced by communities of color in our world. We are deeply saddened by the recent events surrounding police brutality and racial tensions. Racism is a rejection of the teachings of Jesus and a direct contradiction of our faith.
The presence and impact of racism in our country and world is a painful truth to acknowledge. Current events have reinforced the underlying systemic racism in our country, and brought to light the unaddressed racism in ourselves, families, communities, and religion. Most of us are ill-prepared to act and are experiencing a full spectrum of emotions while being new to discussing race.
As a community of faith, we are committed to critical reflection and learning in regard to race/racism. Although we fall short, by the grace of God, our ultimate goal is to become an anti-racist congregation. We pledge to hold each other accountable. We will create space for open dialogue to further our learning. We will continue actively funding organizations that support communities of color. We have some soul-searching to do.
We invite you to join us wherever you are in your journey, trusting that by God’s grace, the love of Christ, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit we will be led to a more profound love and understanding of ourselves and our neighbor.
Approved by St. Luke Congregational Council, July 2020
The presence and impact of racism in our country and world is a painful truth to acknowledge. Current events have reinforced the underlying systemic racism in our country, and brought to light the unaddressed racism in ourselves, families, communities, and religion. Most of us are ill-prepared to act and are experiencing a full spectrum of emotions while being new to discussing race.
As a community of faith, we are committed to critical reflection and learning in regard to race/racism. Although we fall short, by the grace of God, our ultimate goal is to become an anti-racist congregation. We pledge to hold each other accountable. We will create space for open dialogue to further our learning. We will continue actively funding organizations that support communities of color. We have some soul-searching to do.
We invite you to join us wherever you are in your journey, trusting that by God’s grace, the love of Christ, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit we will be led to a more profound love and understanding of ourselves and our neighbor.
Approved by St. Luke Congregational Council, July 2020