“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).”
“On June 27, 2019, the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America adopted the following declaration as a statement addressed to people of African descent.“ This document entitled, “Explanation of the declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent,” serves as an apology to people of African descent for ECLA’s “complicity in slavery and its enduring legacy of racism in the United States and globally.”1 This apology goes on to state that the Lutheran church still needs to recognize the fact that slavery created and perpetuated racism through the falsehoods of racial inferiority and demonization of black people. For 246 years over 12 million people from Africa were enslaved, killed, tortured, and stolen from their native countries and put into slavery. “Although the practice of slavery was legal, it was morally and ethically wrong. The ELCA has defined racism as sin, but that acknowledgement requires examination of complicity in slavery.”1 This document goes further to explain historical figures and events related to Lutherans, slavery, and racism.
I feel part of this sin. I recognize my biased thoughts and the benefits I have been given and unearned, knowingly or unknowingly, because of my white skin. People of color, instead experience exclusion due to institutional (systemic) racism. Institutional racism is when resources, power, and opportunity are beneficial to white people at the exclusion to people of color (e.g., slavery, education, housing, healthcare.)2 The declaration from the ELCA continues with writing about the history of slavery and Lutheran’s involvement in it, the how and why today’s Lutherans are part of the apology, and where the Lutheran Church should go from here (link to declaration is below).
In Pastor Tim’s recent online services, he has been using the white board to help us understand about terms related to racism and how the gospel is pertinent as we move through these challenging times. In last Sunday’s gospel reading, Mathew 9:35-10:8, Jesus reminds us we are to go out, be with, and show compassion to the helpless and harassed. The helpless and harassed who may be:
- lonely and spiritually yearning while at home due to the pandemic.
- working through unemployment and the many factors related to job insecurity or loss.
- exhausted after a lifetime of policies, laws, and biases due to an imbalance of power.The scripture, this ECLA document, and Pastor’s sermons and writings encourages and challenges us to reflect upon how people of color are significantly marginalized because of overt (intentional) and implicit (implied, unexpressed) characteristics. Pastor is offering for us to better understand the terms and societal factors of racism, reminding us to “go out and be the church” in whatever ways possible. Holy Trinity’s members have opportunities to practice and support anti-racism through the ministries of Seacoast Promise, Gather, 68 Hours of Hunger, Dover Friendly Kitchen, or Holy Trinity’s new Pop-Up Pantry. Jesus calls us to be compassionate and the ECLA calls us to engage in anti-racism and racial justice that promotes economic equity. We can all pray for each other as our growing understanding and knowledge creates stronger words and actions for all are one in Christ Jesus.
I understand some members might disagree with much of what we are learning. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Pastor Tim to discuss these ideas further. We can only learn through conversation.
1 Explanation of the Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent https://rb.gy/ndi655
2 Definition & Analysis of Institutional Racism https://rb.gy/mejbe4