From Good Friday to Resurrection Sunday: Confronting Racism and Building Beloved Communities
A Joint Statement by The General Commission on Religion and Race and The United Methodist Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century
April 7, 2023
“Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” John 18:37b
Jesus was born into a society where many communities faced systemic oppression, and those who sought to challenge Roman rule were silenced by its power. As we observe Good Friday, we are reminded of the narrative of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. He was brought before Pontius Pilate to be tried, and during their interaction, Jesus declared that he came to testify to the truth – a truth that was not welcomed, but seen as a threat to the center of power. Being a truth-teller led to Jesus’ unjust persecution and crucifixion.
Yesterday, the Tennessee legislature enacted the same story as it utilized its power to control a narrative. Two young Black legislators were expelled from the Tennessee House of Representatives for exercising their right to peacefully protest against gun violence. The decision by state lawmakers to expel these individuals is a clear violation of their freedom of speech and an act of discrimination based on race.
The actions of the Tennessee legislature represent the tangible application of the doctrine of whiteness. Whiteness goes beyond skin color and embodies a "structural logic and a way of being and knowing."¹ Whiteness continues to dominate and silence Rep. Justin Jones and Rep. Justin Pearson. It is appalling to consider that safety and gun laws are primarily based on whiteness, which inherently views Black, Indigenous, and People of Color as inferior and dangerous.
Today with this statement, The General Commission on Race and Religion and The United Methodist Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century urge all of us to denounce the sin of racism. Democracy has been distorted to remove Reps. Jones and Pearson who are dedicated to truth-telling, justice-oriented practices, empowering the voice of the people, and creating grassroots movements for transformation. They are willing to decenter the doctrine of whiteness to build beloved communities that ensure the safety of all. The fact that our Black leaders are deemed disruptive while Rep. Gloria Johnson–a white leader–is not, highlights how racism is at work in the Tennessee legislature and how our judicial and legislative systems are built on white supremacy.
As United Methodists, we are charged to “confront and seek to eliminate racism, whether in organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society at large.”² It is imperative that we, as a church and members of society, stand up against any form of racism and discrimination, particularly in positions of power and authority. The Tennessee lawmakers' actions are not only reprehensible, but they also send a damaging message to the public that racism and discrimination are acceptable. We must work together to ensure that individuals of all races, genders, and backgrounds are treated with dignity and respect, and that their rights to protest and speak out against injustice are protected.
As we experience Good Friday amidst the actions of the Tennessee legislature, we must remember that the story does not end here. Sunday is coming, and with it, the resurrection power that we must claim and use to address the injustices that oppress God's children.
It is our responsibility to ensure that we do not become complicit in maintaining silence and that we always stand for God's justice work, which is equitable and inclusive, to redeem oppressive systems. We are witnesses of unjust systems, policies, and practices, and it is our duty to work together to continue the work of our foreparents in creating a just and equitable society where freedom is experienced by all.
¹ Francois, W. D. (2022). Silencing white noise: Six practices to overcome our inaction on Race (p. 42). Brazos Press.
² The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016, Copyright © 2016 The United Methodist Publishing House.
¶ 5. Article V. Racial Justice—The United Methodist Church proclaims the value of each person as a unique child of God and commits itself to the healing and wholeness of all persons. The United Methodist Church recognizes that the sin of racism has been destructive to its unity throughout its history. Racism continues to cause painful division and marginalization. The United Methodist Church shall confront and seek to eliminate racism, whether in organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society at large. The United Methodist Church shall work collaboratively with others to address concerns that threaten the cause of racial justice at all times and in all places.
Resources from Religion and Race:
Videos with Discussion Guides
“Being An Ally With People of Color” by Dr. Katelin Hansen
“Meaningful Conversations About Race” by Dr. David Anderson Hooker
“God Has Work For Us To Do” (adaptable for worship) by Mark Miller
“Church: Building God’s Beloved Community” by Dr. Miguel de la Torre
Other Resources (Tips Sheets, Conversation Guides, and Worship Resources)
“Preaching Courageously Against Racism,” a discussion among four United Methodist pastors
“Communion Liturgy—Black Lives Matter” by the Rev. Michael C. Johnson