Crawford’s Statement on Racial Injustice

A Message from the Leadership of Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church on Racial Injustice

What does God expect of us?  In Micah 6-8 we are told simply: “to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God”.  Ten words with such power.  The recent lopsided death count among non-white Americans and the brazen killing of black men and women, are clear signs that we as Christians have much work to do.

Martin Luther King said that riots are the language of the unheard.  “As long as America postpones justice, we stand in the position of having these recurrences of violence and riots over and over again. Social justice and progress are the absolute guarantors of riot prevention.”

What is our response as a Crawford community?  Our commitment must be much more than “thoughts and prayers.”  We are called on to “act”, to “love” and to “walk humbly”, realizing all humans in God’s world are worthy.  Steps we can take:

• Start with ourselves, in prayer, seeking insight, to be honest with ourselves, to ask God to open us up to hard truths and the possibilities of a changed heart.
• Learn more through reading diverse authors, discussing hard topics with individuals and in groups and consciously broaden relationships to expand our experience of differences.
• Listen, listen, listen. Listen to the voices of the unheard; don’t try to fix or defend; just listen and learn.
• Be present and active in social justice opportunities and events. Show up to protests, speak up with love when unjust statements or actions occur before you.  Use your time, money, relationships, votes  and talents to promote justice wherever you can.

Racist systems, structures and behaviors must change.  As people of faith, we believe that change needs to be grounded in love.  This belief is rooted in Christ’s command to love as God has loved us (John 13:34-35).  We are called to participate, as John Wesley said to do all the good we can, by all the means we can, in all the ways we can, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, to all the people we can, as long as ever we can. Therefore, the people of Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church are committed to taking action for justice, to acting with love and mercy, and  to acknowledge in all we do that we are all equally valuable.

In Peace,
Anne Robertson   Frank Leathers     Laura Myers    Pam Reeve
Minister                Trustees Chair      Lay Leader      Church Council Chair