Religious Leaders Unite Against Racism, Rioting, Looting

[smac97]

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Seven Rockdale County churches issue decree to condemn racism, encourage all to show love
June 30, 2020

Due to the recent events in our country, members of Epiphany Lutheran Church, Excel Church, First Shady Grove Baptist Church, Life Church Christian Center, Macedonia Baptist Church, New Covenant Fellowship Church, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conyers, Georgia area join together in proclaiming the importance stated in the Declaration of Independence that,

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”.{1}

We join with others in condemning the injustices of past actions toward our fellow citizens and encourage all to put into practice daily, showing Love toward God and to our fellow mankind.  We encourage all to practice the Golden Rule of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

We encourage families to understand the Brotherhood of all Mankind as taught by Jesus Christ and treat each other with respect and dignity.  No person deserves to be treated with disrespect, discrimination or lack of dignity.  We encourage everyone to teach this important truth in their homes.  We ask that each of us extend a hand of Fellowship and love toward others, embracing what we have in common rather than what is different.  “We likewise remind everyone that we must renounce and {condemn acts of violence, destruction of public and private property, and harm to others.} Never has one wrong been corrected by a second wrong. Evil has never been resolved by more evil.”{2}

We ask that all join together in practicing in their lives that, “all men are created equal” and help each citizen of these United States of America to enjoy those “unalienable rights…of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”.  As citizens, we unitedly assert the truths that equality for all, will make this nation realize its greatest attributes and invite all to join with us in this cause.

“United we declare that the answers of racism, prejudice, discrimination and hate will not come from government or law enforcement alone.  Solutions will come as we open our hearts to those whose lives are different than our own, as we work to build bonds of genuine friendship, and as we see each other as the brothers and sisters we are—for we are all children of a loving God” {who gave us these ‘unalienable Rights’}.{3}

We invite all Citizens of this great country to join in this great effort to UNITE US TOGETHER.

Sincerely,

David Armstrong-Reiner, Pastor
Epiphany Lutheran Church

Francis Smith, Lead Pastor
Excel Church

Dr. Billie Boyd Cox, Senior Pastor
Macedonia Baptist Church

Reverend Mark Barbour
New Covenant Fellowship Church

Phillip Baker, Pastor
First Shady Grove Baptist Church

President Frank A. Nolden
Kendal A. Kotter - 1st Counselor
Peter N. Richards - 2nd Counselor
Conyers Georgia Stake
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Corey K. Hambrick, Lead Pastor
The Life Church Christian Center, Inc.

{1} Preamble of The Declaration of Independence
{2} Joint Op-Ed from the National NAACP and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 8, 2020
{3} Joint Op-Ed from the National NAACP and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 8, 2020

I am grateful to see religious leaders lending their moral/spiritual authority to publish such a beautiful statement, and that they are doing so in unity.

Thanks,

-Smac

Edited July 1, 2020 by smac97

[alter idem]

1 hour ago, smac97 said:

Here:

I am grateful to see religious leaders lending their moral/spiritual authority to publish such a beautiful statement, and that they are doing so in unity.

Thanks,

-Smac

Yea, it would seem to be such a simple solution,  but apparently it is not grasped by some. I think it was a good response, and great to unite together in this manner. 

 But  I would also have added in that last paragraph that we need to have respect for others. I think if people had more respect they would not condone and/or participate in the destruction of other people's property. I think they would also not vilify those who condemn rioting and other acts of violence, but instead recognize these behaviors as the provocative acts they are intended to be. Imo.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Our leaders have always taught this, as have my wife and I, a respect for life and property To our children. This Georgia Stake is not far from where I live, and it is good they were, or are working with other Churches, to create a message that we all, already live by. 

[Scott Lloyd]

3 hours ago, smac97 said:

Here:

I am grateful to see religious leaders lending their moral/spiritual authority to publish such a beautiful statement, and that they are doing so in unity.

Thanks,

-Smac

So happy to see local leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ signing on to this statement. 
 

In the past several weeks, there has been overwhelming condemnation of racism but not a commensurate disapproval of rioting and looting. This is a deficiency in our societal dialogue that could have grave consequences as ordinary citizens feel compelled to take up arms in defense of their lives and property because they perceive a failure of government and society to protect them. 

[MustardSeed]

It takes a small minority to twist the message by being dramatic and opportunistic. 

it sounds like Seattle has finally stepped up. 

 

[The Unclean Deacon]

It would be amazing if they could go one step further and acknowledge the ban was based in racism and not from God.

[USU78]

9 hours ago, The Unclean Deacon said:

It would be amazing if they could go one step further and acknowledge the ban was based in racism and not from God.

Whose? Think and answer with care and you may find more would be inclined to agree with your thunderous pronouncement. 

USU "Historical Context Matters" 78