As a diverse association of churches committed to the equality and dignity of all people, the churches in the Union Baptist Association condemn the racism and injustice that has plagued our nation and harmed our African Americans brothers and sisters for far too long. We grieve the death of George Floyd, who was killed May 25, 2020. Mr. Floyd was a Houstonian, and our city feels his loss on a personal level. Indeed we are praying for the family and friends of Mr. Floyd during this incredibly difficult time.

THE BODY WEEPS AS ONE

The entire Bible speaks to matters of justice and human dignity, and we are taught that all human beings, both male and female—of all ethnicities, colors, and ages—are sacred beings that God values and loves. The Bible condemns murder, injustice, and the misuse of authority and force, and also calls us to love God, love others as we love ourselves, and to strive for others’ flourishing. 

The Bible reminds us that, as believers, we are all equal parts of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12), yet we have wildly different life experiences. Times like these bring out the disparity in our experiences and challenge us to truly see our brothers and sisters who have known a different life than we have. 

We mourn and we grieve as a body because when part of the body feels pain, it is not isolated to that one part. There are parts of the body that have never had to fear mistreatment because of their skin color, they have never lost a family member to racism or hate-motivated violence, and they have never known the weariness of knowing the countless acts of racism that didn’t get exposure on the nightly news. Those parts of the body who misunderstand the progress we have made as a country must learn, listen, empathize, and weep. 

THE PAST MUST NOT PREDICT THE FUTURE

A pastor in UBA was asked by a friend of his, “Is all this anger about George Floyd?” The pastor answered, “This is about all the pain associated with all the acts that weren’t recorded on video.” 

We know that the history of racial equality and justice in this country is tortured, and we know that George Floyd is only the most recent person to utter the phrase, “I can’t breathe.” 

We further acknowledge that, in its past, UBA was part of the problem. It wasn't until the late 1960s that UBA began admitting predominantly Black churches to its membership again after more than a century. We are endeavoring every day to correct mistakes of the past.   

We sincerely thank God for our law enforcement officers that bravely risk their lives for the sake of others and uphold justice with dignity and integrity, and we join their lament over some law enforcement officers misusing their authority and bringing unnecessary harm on the people they are called to protect. We stand ready to support local law enforcement through chaplains and pray for them constantly. 

#BETTERTOGETHER

It is tempting to say, “there has never been a time for change like this one,” but that isn’t true. There have been plenty of other times for change, yet it remains elusive. The stain of systemic racism remains. The stoking of hatred between people remains. Let this time be different. 

Let this time be when we unite and declare, “Tomorrow must be better than today.”

Let this time be when the church says in one voice:

“As a matter of Christian obedience and devotion, followers of Jesus Christ cannot remain silent when our brothers and sisters, friends and/or people we seek to win for Christ are mistreated, abused or killed unnecessarily.”

Let this be the time that we truly are #BetterTogether as we pray for our local, state, and national leaders. Pray as they seek justice, and call on them to act quickly and diligently to ensure that these situations are brought to an end.

It will take all of us, seeking and doing justice (Isa. 1:17, Mic. 6:8) with loving-kindness and humility (Mic. 6:8) and answering hate with genuine love and peace (Rom. 12:9-21). We believe Jesus is the answer (John 3:16-17) and that prayer is not perfunctory.   

We are #BetterTogether.