As a Christian, it is my conviction that Black Lives Matter is a pro-life issue. Public executions of unarmed, uncharged, untried citizens is obviously a travesty of justice. But that is just the tip of the iceberg of injustices that Black Americans have faced in a centuries long history of oppression and inequality. The U.S. has never dug out the cancer of racism from our society, and peace will never come until we do.
My words are inadequate on this issue; I would prefer to amplify the voices of BIPOC here on The Beautiful Kingdom Warriors. They are the true leaders in this battle, the ones with the deepest knowledge and understanding of the way forward. Let us listen and learn, and do the work to bring God’s will on earth as it is in heaven.
Here are some Voices of Protest I’ve been following:
Bernice King – American minister and daughter of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. Dr. William Barber II – of #MoralMondays & The Poor People’s Campaign
Lisa Sharon Harper – Pres. of Freedom Road US & author of The Very Good Gospel
Please, please take the time to watch this video analyzing the intersection of racism and gender. Lisa is one of my all-time favorite human beings, and she is so knowledgeable on the history of race laws in the US and her conversation with Jen Hatmaker makes it abundantly clear how white women have weaponized their power against black people, and how we can participate in this work of dismantling racism.
Order Lisa’s book here.
Jemar Tisby – Pres. The Witness Foundation, author The Color of Compromise
Purchase Jemar’s book here.
Austin Channing Brown – author I’m Still Here – Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness
Purchase Austin’s book here.
Rich Villodas – Pastor of New Life Fellowship in NYC
Latasha Morrison – Be The Bridge founder
Tasha links to sobering data showing racial resentment is highest among churchgoing white evangelicals. Lord have mercy. This should not be.
Timothy Isaac Cho – Assoc. Editor of Faithfully Magazine
Kyle Howard – Christian theologian & trauma counselor
Thabiti Anyabwile – Pastor of Anacostia River Church
Dr. Esau McCaulley – New Testament prof at Wheaton College
This is not an exhaustive list. This is a place to start. Please point me in the direction of your favorite leaders on the road to racial reconciliation in the comments. It is time to start listening to our BIPOC brothers and sisters and follow their lead. No justice, no peace!
Listen. Learn. Do the work. God is making all things new.
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Top image credit: Made by @zanscandycane (Twitter) with art from @sacree_frangine (Instagram)
Ruth Perry
Becky Buck
The Beautiful Kingdom Warriors 