Pastor Andy starts a conversation about Racism and Equality, with a commitment to keep this conversation going. Our church leaders have already responded regarding the incident in Minnesota and recent world events with a statement however, Pastor Andy believes we need to open a conversation to do the right thing in the sight of God. He is hoping for longer term change not a token response from our church. He recognises we all respond in differing ways to these situations and has a desire to understand more fully these situations. It is crucial we all seek to journey in Family Church to understand things we do not, but be taught by those who have a correct perspective, who have Jesus in their hearts. He then introduces Pastor Paula to share from her perspective, as someone who has suffered racism but has a Godly view.
Paula mentions she has spoken to many people recently and that it is important we do not shy away from the topic of racism and equality in our church. A key thing to remember is that we are the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (MSG) tells us “The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing”. So this not a black people issue but an issue for us all. Recent events have highlighted Racism and Injustice. Paula explains that the reason she is hurting is because these attitudes are wrong. Black and coloured people have suffered injustice for a long time, maybe more subtle and hidden in the UK, odd comments, thoughts etc. However, we are all made in Gods image. Psalm 133 tells us how wonderful it is to see brothers and sisters living together in sweet unity. As Christians we know this is how we must live with all brothers and sisters. Paula shared experiences of personal injustice in her workplace and how she was ignored when trying to deal with these situations. The recent killing is not the only thing that has enraged the black community. It has been an ongoing thing for ages. It is important that we speak about these things and make changes. We must educate ourselves and our children - starting in our own homes. We must listen to the pain people have, just as if we sat with someone who mourned a loss. We must stand against racism. Matthew 22:37-40 (NKJV) states ‘Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind”. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.’ So we have this instruction…love everyone regardless of skin colour. Let us open our eyes and transform our minds according to the Word. As Christians, we must remember we do not fight against flesh and blood but the principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual forces of evil in a wicked world (Ephesians 6). We have to see this for what it is! Racism is evil but if we look at this just through the lens of the world we miss a lot. Are we praying? We must certainly do more but not less than pray. We need to yield to God, not emotions. Let us not be silent but vocal in a correct way – just as God constantly mobilises people throughout the bible. Speaking up against injustice brings change and healing as we speak of Jesus also. Only Jesus can heal. He came to seek and save the lost. Let us stand for truth! But let us make sure our motives are correct (Matthew 6:1). Hard work happens behind our closed doors. As Jesus instructed Peter in Matthew 26:52 we must still look to God even in our deepest pain. We can process our pain with the Word, not the Sword. Psalm 89:14 tells us that righteousness and justice are the throne of God. So stand against evil but in a righteous way. Let us lead from the forefront in our actions not leaving God out of this. The silver lining in the cloud of Covid had started uniting the whole church with things like “The Blessing” being sung the world over. But racism can divide the church….As Christians; we must show the world what unity really looks like. Do not be caught in arguments or divisiveness. Let us pray for everyone. Jesus can transform everyone, changing their hearts. Amos 5:21 tells us what God seeks….(MSG) “I want justice - oceans of it. I want fairness - rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want”. Love prevails all including racism. We need to use our voices to support all communities, making a stand for change against racism. Let us not just be non-racist but be anti-racist.
Pastor Andy ended the meeting with concluding remarks then we took communion reminding us we are all one body regardless of colour. Amen!