There is therefore, neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, slave nor free... - Galatians 3:28

‘Racism is incompatible with Christian teaching.’  ‘We are God’s daring alternative to fear and hate.’  ‘We walk the path of vulnerable love with the help of vulnerable love.’  ‘United Methodists have an expansive view of grace.’ ‘Beloved community is the only framework that can heal us.’  I have been saying these things in my videos and in pulpits, and now to you in writing. 

Unfortunately, I just got off the phone with another pastor experiencing the impact of racism in her community. I believe people have been emboldened by talk of mass deportation, removing birthright citizenship, and those peddling White Christian Nationalism. I could be wrong about that. I am also concerned this will only worsen in the current environment. 

I am grateful our churches and clergy are challenging systems and partnering with authorities to make communities more clearly anti-racist. I am so grateful for our local leaders and Staff Parish Relations Committees. That said, can you reach out to those in cross racial appointments with a call or note? Can we teach and lead and make our solidarity clear? Can we speak of our appreciation to our brothers and sisters across race and culture and let our appreciation for our common witness be known? Can we attend to the upbuilding power of the means of grace? Can we, as Wesley dreamed it, grow in love?’ 

I am so grateful for our Northern Illinois Conference efforts to share table, continue anti-racist programming, and support clergy leaders in cross-racial appointments. Yet, I am saddened that our national tone and local temperament is harming our clergy and their families. 

Some say Galatians 3:28 is early creedal material. Some say it is from an early baptismal liturgy. Whatever the source, resisting injustice is done by the power and love we know as Christ, and our strength is renewed by our baptism. The water never dries on our baptism. It is new every day. God’s love for us is refreshed, and God’s love for neighbor is renewed. May we offer more grace and more love in light of the tone in our days? 

It is so good to be in ministry with you.