I have been working with my denomination’s anti-racism task force, and have thought that creating a Brief Statement of Faith would be helpful and defining.

Here is what I have come up with:

A Brief Statement of Faith For Anti-Racist Work

 

We believe in the inherent dignity and worth of all of God’s creation.

We believe that through our own shortcomings, brokenness, and distance from God

That we have harmed humanity through our thoughts, words, and deeds, by not loving others

in the things that we have done to perpetrate the evils of racism in the world,

and in the things that we have failed to do

to work toward the freedom and equality of all people.

 

We believe that we have perpetrated harm to our neighbor and dehumanized others

In the oppression and exploitation of brown skinned peoples of the world

To the advantage of institutionalized systems of power (including the Church)

And in the seizing and exploitation of lands 

Meant for all of God’s creation to share together.

And in doing so, we believe that we have diminished the heart of God’s creation

In ways that are sinful against God, humanity, and creation.

 

We believe that reconciliation is God’s desire and is possible,

But that the work of reconciliation will only happen with a continued commitment

To advocacy, resistance, study, and a commitment to hope.

We see this reconciliation as the heart of Jesus’ teachings,

And commit ourselves to work tirelessly and unceasingly for a reconciled world.

 

We believe that this reconciled world is God’s intention, and will reign

Only when the dignity and worth of all of God’s creation is honored and upheld.

(C) 2024 CMK

Permission to use granted with attribution and credit.