Statement of Solidarity in Condemning Racial Acts of Violence Against the Black Community

June 5, 2020

Dear MCF Members,

We lament the white supremacy and police brutality that have killed Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and countless other Black lives. We grieve together with the Black community at not just these most recent events, but at the persistent and systemic racial injustices waged against God's beloved for centuries in America, specifically against our Black brothers and sisters. We offer our utmost support to our Black colleagues and the greater Ross community in the fight for racial equity and justice.

The Bible teaches us that upon forming man of dust from the ground, God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). How tragic it is that the last words of Eric Garner and George Floyd, and now the rallying cry of the Black Lives Matter Movement is, "I can't breathe."*

As Christians, we believe that all are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and that racism is the sin of not loving our neighbor as ourselves as Jesus commands in Matthew 22:39. We are commanded to:

  • Love one another as Christ has loved us (John 13:24-25)
  • Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8)
  • Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17)

In the spirit of these commandments, as MCF leaders, we commit to educating, engaging, and applying ourselves to the dismantling of systemic racism. This includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Consuming literature, sermons, and discussions by faith leaders of diverse racial backgrounds to learn how racism is too often perpetrated and ignored in faith communities, while also rejoicing in the hope of Christ;
  2. Cultivating anti-racist consciousness as individuals and within our communities by educating ourselves on the history and persistence of systemic racial injustice through both faith-based and secular resources and actively calling out racism;
  3. Connecting with the MBA Council to understand how MCF can meaningfully engage through DEI campus initiatives; and
  4. Creating safe spaces throughout the school year for members to grapple with the intersection of faith, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We are reminded of the words of the Honorable Reverend Clementa Pickney, "Our calling is not just within the walls of the congregation, but we are part of the life and community in which our condition resides." And we are inspired by The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s exhortation, "The time is always right to do what is right."

Should anyone be in need of prayer or spiritual covering, please feel free to reach out to us; it would be our privilege to support you in this way.

Humbly, and in solidarity,

MBA Christian Fellowship Leadership Team

*Exegeted by Rev. Dr. Charlie E. Dates in his sermon entitled "I Can't Breathe" at Progressive Bible Church.