We condemn the violent protests of white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 11th and 12th, and we denounce the racism and hatred which are prevalent in America.

  1. We confess all people are created in the image of God and have the dignity of human beings (Gen. 1:27). Skin color does not determine the value of a person. Racial and ethnic discrimination is rebuilding the wall of sin which Jesus Christ shattered (Eph. 2:14). It is a bigoted rejection of neighbors whom we are called to love as ourselves, and it is a rebellion against God who frees the oppressed (Lev. 19:33-34).

  2. We acknowledge the painful history concerning the misuse of the Church and the Bible as tools of racial-ethnic discrimination. The Scripture was often misquoted and abused to justify racial discrimination. However, the Word of God clearly declares, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). We confess that white supremacy is an ugly sin of idolatry, of sitting oneself in the throne of God (Isa. 2:17-18). Therefore, all those who try to trample over others must recognize their arrogance.

  3. We confess, as Korean-Americans, that it is our calling to stand up against the evil of racial-ethnic discrimination and to proclaim the love of God to all people. As a minority, we vow not to be controlled by the evil of racism. We vow not to discriminate against anyone (Jam. 2:1,9). We vow not to fight the violence of racists with violence (Rom. 12:21). We vow to show the greater power of love, for we confess love conquers hatred.

  4. Facing the sad reality of racism, we accept the serious responsibility of protecting the next generation from the hatred that they feel is aimed towards them. We are indignant that our children who should be growing in love, freedom, peace, and fellowship are being exposed to the gruesome reality of hatred, aversion, discrimination and violence.

  5. As we condemn the violence and discrimination of the white supremacists, we also confess our sins of racism and ethnic discrimination within Korean-American churches and societies in America. We confess our shameful sins of mistreating other immigrants by our words and actions. We repent of our apathy and selfishness. We repent for being silent until we became discriminated against. Furthermore, as the pastors of Christ’s flock, we repent of being slow to preach and teach about the sins of racism and ethnic discrimination. We repent that we have neglected the public calling of Christ’s Church for His peace and justice (Matt. 5:13-14).

We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the victims of this violent demonstration. We will continue to proclaim and build the true peace of Jesus Christ who has indeed come as the King of Peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt. 5:9a).

 

Praying and hoping for the peace of Christ to overflow in America and the Korean peninsula,

National Caucus of Korean Presbyterian Churches (PCUSA) Young Korean-American Pastors


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