STATEMENT ON RACISM
From the Session of Ark and Dove
The brutal murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade and far too many others are tragedies of systemic racial injustices that stand in stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus Christ. We mourn with the families of those killed or injured and grieve for all who experience ongoing racial injustices.
Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church unequivocally affirms that the lives of African Americans and all people of color matter. We express our support and solidarity in confronting the tragic legacy of slavery and racism in our country. In the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We must let the cry of the prophet Amos ring through our hearts and our land, “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).
Justice and love are perfectly united in God’s nature and character. We at Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church stand for justice with all those who are oppressed. We express our love and compassion to all people of color by reaffirming our commitment to combat systemic racism, brutal abuse of authority, and white supremacy. We cannot abide by the silence and denials by those in power that spawn widespread inaction and indifference. We unite in peaceful protest and lend our voices in condemning these horrific acts of violence. We renew our pledge to help heal the wounds of racial inequality through listening, learning, advocating, organizing, and seeking policy change.
Together, with the peace and love of Christ as our guide, we can be a community that lives out justice and love for all people so that lives are transformed and God’s dream is carried into the world.
