Scripture teaches that Jesus’ death tore down all dividing walls between people groups and created “one new humanity” (Ephesians 2:14-15). In Christ, there is no “Jew or Gentile” (Galatians 3:26-28). Yet, we live in a fallen world that still builds walls to divide ethnic groups and to privilege some over others. We are passionate about living free of these walls and manifesting the “one new humanity” in our congregation and in the world. To this end, we favor any movement that seeks to end racial discrimination and injustice.
At the same time, we are called to always conduct ourselves in a way that models the character of our Lord Jesus. While the world typically attempts to solve problems by trying to exercise power over others, Jesus taught us to only exercise power under others. This is the power of humble, servant-like, self-sacrificial love that Jesus most clearly displayed on the cross (Romans 5:8, I John 3:16).
In this light, we applaud Jesus-followers who want to demonstrate their solidarity with those who are suffering injustice by participating in BLM marches or rallies. At the same time, we encourage them to do so while taking great care not to adopt a hostile attitude or join in any hostile actions, but to rather remain anchored in the love of Jesus Christ while praying for peace and justice.
