As a white Christian woman who regularly attends church (currently online during these pandemic times), I’ve experienced a significant shift in my spiritual journey. Three years ago, before the tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, my family made the decision to leave a predominantly white evangelical church. We could no longer endure the political atmosphere and felt our children were appreciated but not truly seen. Now, we are part of a predominantly Black congregation where our multiracial family finds safety, acceptance, and support.
Last Sunday, I waited anxiously to hear how other white Christians would respond to the current climate during their services. Would their white pastors boldly denounce racism, affirm Black Lives Matter, and encourage their congregations to become active allies? Unfortunately, many opted to ignore the gravity of George Floyd’s murder, choosing instead to maintain the status quo or deliver vague messages about peace and love. Some even referenced Martin Luther King Jr. as a token gesture. Now, white Christians face a critical choice: stay in a church that chooses silence or walk away.
The Bible commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves and emphasizes that faith without action is meaningless. While prayer is essential, it should not be the only form of expressing love for God and others. Christians are called to be active participants in their communities, embodying the hands and feet of Jesus. Scripture encourages us to be “salt and light” in the world.
If you have distanced yourself from the church due to perceived hypocrisy, you are not alone. It raises the question: Why aren’t congregations across the nation fervently praying for people of color while simultaneously engaging in anti-racism work, participating in protests, and supporting progressive candidates? The frustration is palpable, and many share in this sentiment.
Jesus was not only revolutionary but also a figure of empowerment for the marginalized. He challenged norms, took time for solitude and prayer, and actively worked to uplift those suffering. He was neither timid nor indifferent; he had a purpose and prioritized those in need.
Some white Christians mistakenly believe that political matters and social justice have no place in their worship. They prefer the comfort of familiar worship practices, avoiding any messages that might challenge their perspective. In doing so, they unintentionally uphold systemic issues of racial inequality by remaining silent. This silence speaks volumes, inadvertently supporting white supremacy. It’s naive to think that sponsoring children in Africa or featuring diversity in marketing makes one anti-racist; these are often mere superficial gestures.
I firmly believe that churches, like individuals, either stand against racism or support it. Author Ibram X. Kendi aptly notes that there is no neutral ground when it comes to racism. This does not mean individuals cannot grow towards being anti-racist; rather, it is a continuous journey. Pastors should not feel they need a perfectly crafted message to address racism. The act of remaining silent conveys a harmful message: that Black lives do not matter. Discussions on equity and justice must be ongoing, not limited to a single sermon or Bible study, as the roots of racism run deep and require sustained effort to dismantle.
A pastor who professes that God loves everyone should demonstrate that love through actions. True friendship, as outlined in the Bible, involves sacrifice and empathy. We are called to prioritize others and share in their grief.
If white Christians continue to support complacent churches with their time and financial resources, they perpetuate harm to their Black brothers and sisters. Educating our children within a framework that overlooks racial realities risks raising future generations that uphold these same attitudes. Supporting an institution that maintains white dominance only feeds systemic issues.
My faith has been a lifeline for me. It has sustained me through personal health crises and provided solace amid trauma. Experiencing racism firsthand, particularly against my children, has cemented my conviction that Black Lives Matter.
To my fellow white Christians: I urge you to confidently declare that Black Lives Matter—not out of fear or doubt, but with the knowledge that it is the right stance, one that aligns with Jesus’s teachings. It’s time to muster the courage to seek a more inclusive place of worship.
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In summary, if your church fails to advocate for racial justice and affirm that Black Lives Matter, it may be time to reevaluate your commitment to that community. Embrace the call to action and seek a church that aligns with a vision of equality and compassion.