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A common statement of the USA religious organizations against racial injustice

2020-07-03 12:45

A joint statement is entitled “This Perilous Moment: A Statement from Religious Leaders and Communities on the Crisis of Racial Injustice and Inequity and Current Protests”. This statement is important, as Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Baha’i, Humanists, Indigenous, Jains, Sikhs, Taoists, Unitarian Universalists, Zoroastrians, and many others signed on to the statement and were able to address, in one voice and with a sense of urgency, the systemic evil of racism that plagues the USA. Drawing inspiration and empowerment from the spiritual resources of their respective tradition, each faith community is underscoring their commitment to justice, peace, and reconciliation.

The authors of the statement declared:

- To pray and act together for our shared future, knowing that we are called to love our neighbor.

- To address racism in our society and acknowledge our complicity in it, in all of its insidious forms. This includes visibly participating in non‐violent protests, calling out racial injustices, and problem-solving and partnering with affected communities as they lead.

- To ask our local and regional law enforcement and political leadership to immediately cease all forms of violence against non‐violent protestors, and that non‐violent and non‐lethal means be employed in addressing the behavior of rogue actors committing violence.

- To call upon local and state governments to facilitate the means for constructive, non‐violent protests to continue to take place. And we call for them to investigate the injury or death of any persons participating in the protests or rioting.

- To use our voices to speak up not only for racial justice, and the economic justice it necessitates, but also against the militarization and authoritarian use of our law enforcement. We have to be able to trust that the rule of law is applied fairly and equitably to all parties, else it is not the rule of law.

- To call upon people of faith to educate themselves about the very real impacts of racism and to understand and sojourn with movements led by persons of color for justice, equality, and equity.

- To support efforts at diversity, equity, and inclusion in our places of worship, workplaces, and lives.

- To encourage volunteerism and philanthropic commitments to institutions working to advance racial justice and harmony.

By Fr. Emmanuel Clapsis for Public Orthodoxy