15 Aug Statement on Charlottesville
Saturday was a horrific, tragic day in the annals of the United States of America. Peaceful protestors were confronted with violence. A young woman lost her life simply for daring to say no to racism. A hate group gathered to spread its toxic message and committed an act of terror.
The Office of Public Witness, alongside many Presbyterians, is outraged, shocked and saddened by the violence that engulfed the beautiful town of Charlottesville. But we are not defeated nor deterred. We are determined to move forward so that our country can continue to journey toward racial progress and inclusiveness.
So, what can we do?
We continue to pray for justice, comfort, forgiveness, repentance, unity and faith which produces endurance, patience and grace.
We continue to stand boldly in the face of hate and white supremacy and condemn the white nationalist, KKK, alt-right, Nazi, and any racist groups or individuals who are responsible for the spread of racial hatred in this country.
We mourn with those who have lost children, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, daughters and son to violence.
We continue to work to create a country where our history of racial inequality is replaced by equal opportunity and fairness for all Americans.
We stand tall as witnesses to our faith in a God who overcomes division and promotes unity, healing and peace.
We continue to promote an understanding of our common humanity and the value of all human beings.
We continue the long, slow journey towards justice for all.
This is a day which demands a call for mourning and lament, protest and outrage, prayer and peace. The legacy of racial and ethnic hatred must end. Our children deserve a better message and a brighter future of tolerance and peace. As people of faith we offer ourselves in service to a God who is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love”. (Nehemiah 9:31; Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Psalm 86:5; Psalm 86:15; Joel 2:13)
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