CALL TO ACTION!
As one of the co-conveners of East Ohio Next, this week we want our churches and communities to know that along with dozens of clergy and laity in the East Ohio annual conference, our leaders have signed the covenant below committing to stand together AGAINST racism.
“We, the undersigned clergy and laity of the East Ohio Conference, join our Bishop and Extended Cabinet in a covenant of standing together to resist racism. As baptized Christian disciples who ‘accept the freedom and power God gives us to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves,’ we reject the sin of white supremacy and white privilege; we denounce police brutality and racial profiling against people of color; and, we demand full protection of the civil rights for all of God’s children.
“We accept our responsibility as people of faith and leaders in our congregations, to work for the transformation of the world, our Church, and our communities. We covenant with each other, to learn, speak, and act in ways that lift-up and protect the rights and dignity of all of God’s people.”
You can see the full statement from the bishop and the extended cabinet here.
The work of justice is certainly not new to the people of Christ, nor is it new to the people called Methodists. As we mature as disciples of Jesus Christ, we too, must turn justice into an action word, allowing us to experience the beauty of diversity in God’s Kingdom: on earth as it is in heaven.
Therefore, “We readily accept our responsibility as people of faith and leaders in our congregations, to work for the transformation of the world, our Church, and our communities. We covenant with each other, to learn, speak, and act in ways that lift-up and protect the rights and dignity of all of God’s people,” and we pray that you’ll continue to join us on THIS journey toward justice.
Silence is no longer an option; the time to act is now. If you are willing to enter into this covenant alongside us, you can comment your name below, which will give us permission to add your signature to this document. Grace and peace to you, in the name of God our Creator, Christ our Redeemer, and the Spirit our Sustainer.