Pray. Listen. Speak. Act.

The events that have unfolded over the past few weeks are not isolated incidents. They are injustices that follow centuries of systemic racism and discrimination towards the Black community. We are not immune to these injustices in Canada. We are not immune to these injustices as Christians.

We see, hear, and share the righteous anger and lament of our brothers and sisters in the Black community.

We acknowledge that too little has been done. We know that silence equals complicity, and inaction has led to hurt, suffering, and tragedy. If we are to reflect Jesus Christ, this must change (Matthew 25:40).

As a church, we will listen and learn from Black voices in the community and in our congregation. We will speak up against injustices (Proverbs 31:8-9). We will be intentional towards racial reconciliation. However, we know that we will make mistakes. We will acknowledge areas of our own weakness, and work towards fixing them through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. We will be steadfast in prayer, generous in mercy, and fervent in action (Micah 6:8; Isaiah 58:6-11).

Our motive for pursuing racial reconciliation and the work for justice is based on the teaching of Scripture that all human beings have equal value and dignity in the eyes of God. The Bible teaches that all human beings, no matter what ethnicity, are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Above all, we put our hope in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who went to the cross not just to reconcile us to God, but also to reconcile Jew and Gentile to become one new humanity under Christ (Ephesians 2:14-18). He reminds His people that, no matter what ethnic background they come from, they are all equal in Christ (Galatians 6:26-28; 1 Corinthians 12:13). If He can restore these broken relationships, racial reconciliation in this broken world is also possible through Him. We see throughout Scripture God’s love for all nations, His desire for the nations to return to Him and for them to welcome and love one another (Jonah 4; Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 5:44; Acts 10).

We will engage in advocating for restorative justice to improve equality and equity in our society, but acknowledge that as flawed people and institutions, true and full justice and mercy will only happen when Jesus Christ brings His kingdom to Earth (Revelation 7:9). Until then, we will pray, listen, speak, and act through the love of Christ.