Christian Ethicists Issue Statement in Condemnation of Racism and White Supremacy

Last updated on: August 15, 2017 at 12:21 am by Rebecca Bratten Weiss

Christian Ethicists Issue Statement in Condemnation of Racism and White Supremacy 2017-08-15T00:21:10-04:00 Rebecca Bratten Weiss

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The violence enacted by neo-Nazis and white supremacists in recent days has been both tragic and troubling. Troubling, also, the relative silence, or weak half-hearted disapproval – as of a child with his hand in the cookie jar – from many leaders in religious and academic communities.

For those of us who are members of historically oppressed groups, it is distressing to think that when white Christians said “never again”, not all of them really meant it. And for those of us who have put time and energy into the study of ethics, it is absurd to see the false dichotomies proposed. “Both sides are wrong” – really? As though defenders of human dignity and advocates of social justice were somehow on a par with people who think that putting Jews into ovens was a fine idea?

As though this were mere “political difference”?

Thus, it comes as a relief to find that a group of Christian ethicists has issued a statement in condemnation of racism and white supremacy:

As followers of Jesus Christ and as Christian ethicists representing a range of denominations and schools of thought, we stand in resolute agreement in firmly condemning racist, anti-Semitic,and anti-Muslim, neo-Nazi ideology as a sin against God that divides the human family created in God’s image.

These are professional ethicists from diverse backgrounds, from both religious and secular academic institutions. Their statement should give us encouragement, especially at a time when it seems that too many in positions of both academic and political leadership are excusing themselves from serious moral responsibility in the public sphere. I invite you all to read the rest of their statment, and also to take note of the names of those who have signed, especially if you are a member of a vulnerable community on a university campus.

And, of course, I invite you to stand in solidarity with them, with us, with the entire body of Christ Crucified, in holding to these central tenets:

We reject racism and anti-Semitism, which are radical evils that Christianity must actively resist.
We reject the sinful white supremacy at the heart of the “Alt Right” movement as Christian heresy.
We reject the idolatrous notion of a national god. God cannot be reduced to “America’s god.”
We reject the “America First” doctrine, which is a pernicious and idolatrous error. It foolishly asks Americans to replace the worship of God with the worship of the nation, poisons both our religious traditions and virtuous American patriotism, and isolates this country from the community of nations. Such nationalism erodes our civic and religious life, and fuels xenophobic and racist attacks against immigrants and religious minorities, including our Jewish and Muslim neighbors.
We confess that all human beings possess God-given dignity and are members of one human family, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or country of origin.
We proclaim that the gospel of Jesus Christ has social and political implications. Those who claim salvation in Jesus Christ, therefore, must publicly name evil, actively resist it, and demonstrate a world of harmony and justice in the midst of racial, religious and indeed all forms of human diversity.

Therefore, we call upon leaders of every Christian denomination, especially pastors, to condemn white supremacy, white nationalism, and racism.

Contemplate and respect the image of God imprinted on each human being.
Work across religious traditions to reflect on the ways we have been complicit in upholding and benefiting from the sins of racism and white supremacy.
Pray for the strength and courage to stand emphatically against racism, white supremacy, and nationalism in all its forms.
Participate in acts of peaceful protest, including rallies, marches, and at times, even civil disobedience. Do not remain passive bystanders in the face of the heresies of racism, white supremacy, and white nationalism.
Engage in political action to oppose structural racism.

Pax et bonum

Previous Post

July 21, 2017

Women's Literature: The Stories That Are Not Told

Next Post

August 15, 2017 Does Opposing Nazis Make You "Leftist"?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category abortion anti-semitism art Atwood Betrothed church clergy abuse coronavirus culture economics education environmentalism ethics faith family feminism gardening gun violence immigration Judaism literature MaddAddam New Pro Life Movement news pandemic personalism poem politics politics blue Pope Francis racism religion salvation sexuality social justice spirituality Station eleven Stephen King The Stand Trump Uncategorized war World Health Organization

Select a Month March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which Old Testament book is composed mostly of love poems?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Ecclesiastes Ruth Song of Solomon Proverbs

Support this
Column