Statement on the killing of George Floyd
June 2, 2020
When we consider the events that have transpired over the last few weeks in our country it stirs us to prayerful reflection and also to action. It is in harmony with the will of God to address injustices as well as to defend and protect those that are mistreated. We mourn the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 and extend our deepest condolences to his family. His senseless killing, and the deaths of others before him, at the hands of those in authority is felt by all of us.
As Seventh-day Adventist Christians we commit to speaking out. To protest against injustice is our right! We must do so in nonviolent and nonhostile ways. We are children of light and as such we stand against the darkness, but we will not let our light turn to darkness.
We commit to speaking out in the spirit of Christ! It was the late Dr. ML King Jr. who said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” While we may feel anger and a desire to lash out against others, it is in times like these that the Spirit of Christ must temper our thoughts, words and actions. “Be angry and sin not.” Let us speak courageously in love to all men and women regardless of color, religion, political background or creed.
We call for all members of the UCC to stand in solidarity as Brothers and Sisters in Christ against injustice. We call on all members to pray for those who are suffering and discriminated against. Pray for our country, our leaders, our cities and our conference. Most importantly, we ask that you pray for Christ’s soon return.
“Now these three will last forever —
faith, hope and love — and the greatest of these is love.”
I Cor. 13:13 NLT
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