RACIAL JUSTICE
Racial Justice Statement
Christus Victor acknowledges that racism, both individual and systemic, and racial barriers have existed in our country through many generations and continue today. We also recognize and acknowledge the pervasiveness of white privilege that has afforded greater opportunities and benefits not available to many people of color, as well as the existence of white supremacy that threatens and opposes Christ and Christian love. We humbly confess our detachment in the times when we have remained silent, failed to listen for understanding, and failed to confront the truths that have led to oppression of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We will follow Jesus, beginning with all of us committing to educating ourselves on the topic of systemic racism and how we can interrupt and oppose it within ourselves and our community. We will seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness (Matthew 6:33) in order to understand, challenge and transform beliefs, practices, and systems that uphold and perpetuate racism. We join in this work of racial justice to fulfill our mission while growing in compassion, sharing others’ burdens, and living more fully as members of the body of Christ.
Our mission at Christus Victor is to serve Christ and community with Faith, Love and Open Arms. It is our calling to speak Christ’s word of welcome to all people. We are all called to participate in God’s work of reconciliation, share God’s love, support healing, and stand with all God’s children in the fight for justice. Jesus commands us to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22: 36-40), and St. Paul reminds us that we are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28-29). We recognize that our neighbors are people of different races, genders, political beliefs, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ethnicities, all of whom have different and valid life experiences. In order to show love to our neighbors, we must recognize and acknowledge our shared humanity and celebrate the diversity in the family of God.
Our Christus Victor Racial Justice committee encourages anyone to reach out to a committee member if they have questions, or want to share thoughts, concerns, and/or ideas. Committee members are: Diana Buffie, Nancy Erler, Alice McCammon, Kevin Philpy, Kristin Schulz, Alana Thureen, Dawn Youngner, Sarah Youngner
Biblical and Liturgical Teachings
- “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with God?” – Micah 6:8
- “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” – John 13:34
- We are to “… proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed; serve all people following the example of Jesus; and strive for justice and peace in all the earth.” – ELCA baptism and confirmation liturgies
- Additional Biblical References: John 3:16, Romans 10:12-13, Ephesians 2:11-14, Colossians 3:9-12, Revelation 7:9-10, 1 John 1:6-10, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Matthew 5: 3-12, Luke 19: 1-10