March 17, 2021 A letter in support of our Asian Community
Yesterday another tragedy of targeted racism happened in the United States of America. Yesterday our Asian siblings were gunned down, maimed, and killed at their places of business. Yesterday another bandage was ripped off the festering wound of racism in this country. The New England Conference Commission on Religion and Race stands in solidarity with our Asian community in NEAC as well as around the world. We are reminded by Scripture that when “one of us hurts, all of us hurts.” We recognize that investigations are still underway regarding the shootings in Atlanta however that work does not take away from the increase of violence that has been exacerbated around the nation as it pertains to the Asian community. Racism is real! The killing and abuse of the other due to the color of their skin and heritage is real! As members of the Body of Christ, we must not turn a blind eye to the pain that acts of violence reveal to the greater society. Understanding that members of the Asian community have endured MORE TARGETED racism and racist acts since Covid-19, we must see to their care and safety. NEAC church family, it is up to all of us to be agents of change and grace for our Asian kin. It is up to us to make sure that they know that they are safe with us. It is up to us to reach out and care for them. As we lift our prayers may we also lift our voices and move our hands and feet into action by working to end racism and racist violence of all kinds. Enough is enough. NEAC Commission on Religion and Race Rev. Effie McAvoy, Chair Ms. Rachel Cozzens Ms. Claire Holston Rev. Jill Colley-Robinson Mr. Todd Warfield Rev. Kristy Besada Mr. Gordon Anderson Rev. Bob Stewart Rev. Dr. Adama Brown Rev. Erica Robinson-Johnson