ASJ: Stand in Solidarity against the Evils of Racism

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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.

Adventists for Social Justice (DC, Nov 4-6, 2016)

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By: Jeff Boyd

Adventists for Social Justice is hosting its first conference in Washington DC, November 4-6, 2016. The theme this year is "Pushing Past the Pews."

Unfortunately, I dropped the ball and didn't figure out our new blog platform until last night, so I didn't promote the event before registration closed at Eventbrite. However, you can still donate to the cause at GoFundMe.

The Adventist Peace Fellowship will have two representatives at the conference. Board of Directors member Dr. Olive Hemmings will be speaking. Dr. Hemmings is a professor at Washington Adventist University, where she teaches Biblical Theology, Pauline Theology, Introduction to the New Testament and other New testament courses, New Testament Greek and Moral Issues in World Religions. Also, as APF director, I will participate in one of the workshops on church-based social action.

ASJ co-founder Tiffany Llewellyn has an interview posted on the Spectrum website. In that interview, Llewellyn addresses a question about why ASJ is necessary:

Whether we choose to accept the responsibility or not, this group is long overdue. Our denomination must experience a paradigm shift in our identified goals internally and externally as it relates to the community. The church is a hub -- when a community is hurting the question is asked “Where is the church?” We have been given a mandate by God, which also happens to be our organization’s mission to “do good, seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless and plead the widow’s cause.” This should be the focus of the church on a micro and macro level. We cannot seek to evangelize without first understanding the implications. We cannot misrepresent Christ as if He is not burdened by the injustices within society. We cannot preach passionately about Esther and Joseph, confident about what God called them to do, and be silent when it matters most. No, this group is not only necessary, it is overdue.

While I'm out at the conference, I hope to record another Adventist Peace Radio episode, even though I'll miss Friday's session. Look for an announcement of the episode on this blog.