Statement on Racism from Grace Church Council

June 19, 2020

The events that have unfolded in our nation over the last few weeks have reawakened us to the deep divides that still exist within our country. Racism, manifested in individual acts and present throughout systems, continues to prevent us from being the beloved community that God intends. Our faith in the crucified and risen Christ compels us to speak. We speak against the sin of racism. We speak in solidarity with Black people and all people of color, each of whom is precious to God. We stand with and for Black people within our church and school and in the larger community.

At our meeting on June 16, we, the Council, accepted and affirmed four points of action:
• To issue a statement of solidarity, for to stay silent is not an option.
• To ask and encourage every group within Grace to take up the work of learning more about racism, white privilege, and how to be better allies in the fight for justice and equity.
• To conduct an internal audit of what actions Grace has already taken or is currently doing to support people and organizations of color with a goal to do better.
• To engage leaders from outside of Grace to conduct seminars and other opportunities for learning and growth, at Grace, surrounding issues of racism.

As we observe Juneteenth today, we commit ourselves to following Jesus Christ into the world in the hope that, by the Spirit’s power, God’s Kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven. We look with hope and anticipation to a season of growth and change as Grace becomes a more faithful witness to God’s wide welcome in Christ. We see this as the beginning, not the end, of the conversation. We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us, and for the courage to follow.

Yours in Christ,
The Church Council
Grace Lutheran Church and School