As Christians committed to loving our neighbors, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of rejecting evil “in whatever forms they present themselves”, we at Cityview Church condemn racism and the racist policies that plague our nation, and have led to the persistent violence and exclusion experienced by Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC). Such bigotry has most recently led to the killings of our black brothers and sisters, including: Amaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, George Floyd, and too many others. Systemic racism and police brutality have gone on too long in America. We repent of the way we have contributed and benefited from these realities.
As Psalm 82: 2-4 says, “Enough! You’ve corrupted justice long enough, you’ve let the wicked get away with murder. You’re here to defend the defenseless, to make sure that underdogs get a fair break: Your job is to stand up for the powerless, and prosecute all those who exploit them.”
Instead of being a force for justice, the American church has often reinforced, supported, and enabled systemic racism in America through support of policy and theology contrary to the witness of scripture.
Going forward, we are committed to broadening our response to systemic injustice towards BIPOC. We are devoted to promoting justice, practicing repentance, and embodying racial reconciliation within our church community, practicing and modeling our commitment to diversity in all we say and do, and supporting city-wide efforts to address racism at both a systemic and personal level. This does not come without challenge as not only is our church majority white, but so is the community of Grandview. With this in mind, we commit to lean on the best practices of black Christian leaders in Columbus, while doing our part to step up and stand against historic, systemic racism.
As we move forward, we must remember to live out these words from Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Thank you for being a part of our church family at Cityview Church. We extend the peace of Christ to all those who are suffering and grieve alongside the victims of racial violence and their loved ones.
Our Midweek Group read through Jemar Tisby’s “How to Fight Racism”
Here is our collection of teachings and sermons related to racial justice:
