ASJ: Stand in Solidarity against the Evils of Racism

in

Adventists for Social Justice released the following statement regarding the racial violence in Virginia over the weekend:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August, 13th, 2017. This weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, we watched from across the country, as hundreds of torch-wielding white nationalists marched through this town, intending to attack and intimidate through a “Unite the Right” rally in opposition of a plan to remove a statue of Robert E. Lee, the Confederate general, from a city park. These violent, racist acts are tragic and intolerable. 

This is blatant domestic terrorism, with racially driven actions we have been reminded over time are not behind us. These reminders appear to be occurring rapidly, in our towns and cities, and it is imperative for us to act in defense of our friends, families, and neighbors. 

We MUST stand up for each other, because we know the history, and we are painfully aware of what such demonstrations represent. We are weary as we observe that the highest office of the land, shifts blames on "both sides", instead of wielding power and status to defend minorities and the oppressed within this United States of America.

In times like this, we share feelings of hurt, pain, sorrow, and fear. We are encouraged now more than ever that although "troubled on every side, not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." 

This is the time for Adventists for Social Justice to stand in solidarity against the evils of racism and we are committed to protecting those in fear, and combat and denounce hatred and injustice from every avenue. God is clear, we must do good, seek justice, and correct oppression. Silence is not an option. The challenge is for you, your leaders and churches to join us in fulfilling Christ's mission on Earth, being centers of hope, peace, and action.

Our prayers are with the families and loved ones of Heather Heyer, Lt. H. Jay Cullen, Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. bates, whose lives were senselessly lost at this time.