A Statement About Racism
“It is urgent for Christian leaders to speak into this racially charged moment of our nation's history. Silence in this matter can be interpreted as complicity with a demonically empowered status quo that prefers one kind of human over another. Please do not opt out. Call us all not only to repentance and faith but also service. Challenge us to ask the Holy Spirit to empower us for mission. May God help our churches become beacons of healing, serving our deeply divided communities in the Name of Jesus Christ.”
Bishop Gregory O. Brewer
National Chaplain
We are living in sad times. An underwhelming sadness clouds my days. It seems like déjà vu — one more time. I have lived through the segregation in the 1950’s, sit-ins in the1960’s, integration, marches and Black Power in the 1970’s, and the glass ceiling of corporate America in the 2000’s. As a nation of peoples, we have now come to a time when men and women of color are in danger for simply living. Say his name! George Floyd! Running while black! Sleeping while black! It is easy to slip into hopelessness and anger while our nation wrestles with the sin of racism. I could choose to live in fear, but I choose differently. I choose to turn again and find joy in my God.
I have tried for days to find words of wisdom to speak to the Daughters. Presiding Bishop Curry says we only need to follow the footsteps of Jesus. In this time of pandemic and the unveiling of systemic racism throughout the world, we must first take heed to the teachings of Jesus and live more closely as followers of the example that He set for us. Invite the Holy Spirit to be more present in your life. As Daughters we have each taken a vow to pray, serve and evangelize. Rededicating ourselves to this work can be our first step in this journey.
1. Pray. Pray without ceasing. It is our calling. Our country and world need it now more than ever. Pray for the end of racism and for an end to the pandemic of Covid-19. Pray for and love your neighbor who doesn’t look like you, think like you, love like you, speak like you, pray like you or vote like you. No exceptions!
2. Serve. Even in the Covid-19 crisis, Daughters are finding countless ways to serve. One special way is the sewing of face masks, which are many times being given to hospitals for nonessential personnel as well as to friends, families and church members. If you are able, food pantries need volunteers. If you aren’t able to volunteer in person your donations of food or money are welcomed. Check on your neighbors and offer to run errands for those who need it. Send cards to shut-ins, share your home cooked meals with those who are now unemployed. Prayer shawls and blankets continue to be knitted
3. Evangelize. Tell your story. How has Jesus changed your life? Everywhere you go be like Christ in your words and deeds. Find a way to be an agent of change in your community and eradicate racism. As your church reopens, invite and encourage friends, family and strangers to visit. Pray for someone you know who does not believe.
Our Chaplain’s entreaty at the opening of this statement urges us as Daughters to be bold in speaking out against the systemic racism in our country, which is evidenced too clearly by the senseless killings of black men and women. Protesters of all races and ethnicities are in the streets demanding change. This country has an opportunity in this time of crisis for real change. God is calling out to us and giving us an opportunity to right the wrongs of our history and in our present- day society. We must find new ways to live as we promised at Baptism - striving for justice and peace among all people and respecting the dignity of every human being. We cannot say we love God and hate one another.
The Order of The Daughters of the King is a diverse community of women throughout the world. We are of numerous colors: white, black, Asian, Native American, and Latina. We must stand against and call out racism in every form. We bow our heads in shame for our nation who has systematically caused some communities of people to suffer emotional distress, illness, imprisonment, lack of opportunity and vulnerability at every turn. We ask forgiveness from God for ourselves and our churches who have sinned.
“O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
A Prayer for the Human Family
Book of Common Prayer
For His Sake, Krisita Jackson National President
