06/11/2020
June 11, 2020
Dear Charlottesville Cru Community,
As the events of the past month have unfolded, we have been saddened and angered yet again to see the visceral reality of racial injustice continue. We publicly name and rebuke the sin of racism. The killing of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and many more is unjust, senseless, and an abomination before our creator God. We would like to genuinely stand with and for our black brothers and sisters in the U.S. as people of color continue to be systematically oppressed based on the color of their skin. America is called the land of the free and yet for hundreds of years a system has been in place that needs to be called out and reformed. We actively choose to rebuke white supremacists and racism.
In addition to this strong rebuke, we would like to communicate how the Bible should shape our response. In a polarizing political climate, it would be easy to echo the talking points of one side or the other or even try to stake some righteous middle ground between the two. But the biblical vision of human dignity, justice, and love transcends our nation’s history and modern political categories. We believe the best way to be citizens of our earthly city is to act as citizens of our heavenly city (Hebrews 12:22-24).
The story of the Bible is Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration. This story shapes our posture in a number of ways. It beckons us to see the dignity and glory of every person made in the image of the Triune God. It gives room for us to lament and mourn the presence of injustice. It calls us to repent of sin, personal and systemic, and believe the gospel. It calls us to pray for God to bring healing and reconciliation. It leads us to loving action for our neighbors through listening, education, and activism. It shows us how the Great Commission is to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to love both God and neighbor. And it reminds us of our future hope, the reconciliation and healing of all nations.
To see a list of resources on race, ethnicity, and justice that we recommend go to: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_WElWTbVb6gyrJB2-1pALUXZA5e8XoYQJp0kNwEqwGk/edit?usp=sharing
We have not arrived on this journey. We are still learning, processing, and praying, just like you. We still have far to go and we have much to learn from you. But we invite you to join us on this journey of following Jesus, the one who is making all things new.
Warmly in Christ,
The Charlottesville Cru Staff Team
For our full statement, go to: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12KqIHtbfeHCvr4hF1ztbUin8bVJAObKU-KxjAnO-Zvg/edit?usp=sharing
