As a white Christian woman who regularly attends church (currently online due to quarantine), I have witnessed the painful realities of racial injustice firsthand. My family made the decision to leave a predominantly white evangelical church three years ago, long before the tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. We felt disillusioned by the political climate and noticed that while our children were acknowledged, they weren’t truly valued. Now, we belong to a predominantly Black church where our multiracial family feels safe, welcomed, and genuinely supported.
Last Sunday, I found myself anxiously awaiting responses from fellow white Christians about their church services. Would their pastors address the pressing issue of racism, declare that Black Lives Matter, and encourage congregants to stand as allies? Unfortunately, my fears were confirmed. Many pastors either ignored the murder of George Floyd entirely or delivered vague messages about peace and love, sometimes even quoting Martin Luther King Jr. as if that sufficed. Now, white Christians face a pivotal choice: stay in a church that remains silent on crucial social issues or seek a more inclusive community.
The Bible commands Christians to love others as themselves. It also states that faith without works is dead. While prayer is vital, it cannot be the only expression of love for God and others. Christians are called to action, to be the “hands and feet of Jesus,” and to embody the “salt and light” of the world.
If you’ve distanced yourself from the church due to perceived hypocrisy, you’re not alone. It’s painful to witness congregations praying for people of color without taking tangible steps toward justice, such as reading anti-racism literature, participating in protests, or supporting progressive candidates. Jesus was radical and unapologetic, often challenging societal norms and uplifting the marginalized. He didn’t shy away from difficult conversations; instead, he engaged deeply with the suffering around him.
There exists a belief among some white Christians that discussions of politics and social justice should be excluded from church settings. Many prefer a comfortable environment where sermons cater to their fragility rather than confront uncomfortable truths. This complacency not only perpetuates white supremacy but also fosters an environment where silence speaks volumes about the value placed on Black lives. Token gestures, such as sponsoring African children or using diverse imagery, do not equate to true anti-racism.
I firmly believe that churches, like individuals, fall into one of two categories: they are either anti-racist or they are complicit in racism. Ibram X. Kendi emphasizes that there is no neutral position. The journey toward anti-racism is ongoing; it’s not a one-time class but a lifelong commitment to learning. Pastors don’t need to have a perfectly polished message to discuss racism. The absence of dialogue sends a clear signal: that Black lives do not matter.
A pastor who professes God’s love should be willing to sacrifice for others. We are called to empathize and to stand in solidarity with the grieving. If white Christians continue financially supporting complacent churches, they are perpetuating harm against their Black brothers and sisters. Teaching children a sanitized version of Christianity risks raising future generations steeped in racism. Financial contributions to entities that uphold white supremacy only serve to feed the system.
My faith has been a cornerstone in my life, especially during challenging times like my battle with breast cancer. The love and peace I found in God sustained me through trauma. Given my experiences with racism against my family, I can confidently affirm that Black Lives Matter.
To my fellow white Christians, I urge you to echo this conviction—not with doubt but with certainty, knowing what is righteous. It’s time to muster the courage to seek out a community of faith that truly embodies these values.
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In summary, it’s crucial for white Christians to reflect on their church affiliations and the messages being conveyed. Silence on racial justice is complicity, and finding a community that actively supports the values of love and justice is essential for true faith in action.
Keyphrase: Church and Racial Justice
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