‘We need to talk about race – when anti-racism is a start but not the end’
During July a ‘Conversation about racism’ was taken place at our church. The weeks before this, there were conversation starters each week in the online KAC Weekly Update. If you missed any of the starters you can find and read them by clicking on the titles below:
Week 1 – We need to talk about race
Week 2 – Honestly facing our own racism in Australia
Week 3 – Living our Biblical Justice as a right and as a responsibility
Week 4 – Praying with our eyes wide open
Sunday July 19, 2020, Marc McLaren preached on Racism and the message was titled ‘We need to talk about race – when anti-racism is a start but not the end’.
Racism in all its forms contradicts and undermines the truth that all people have been created in God’s image. This indisputable truth means every male and female from every nation, tribe, people group and language is of infinite worth and value.
When racism tragically occurs, whether in past times or now or happens close by or far away we are called by God to respond with righteousness and justice and mercy and love. Micah of Moresheth was faced with telling the people of Samaria and Jerusalem that God was coming to trample the earth for their rebellion and distortion of His truth, and it’s in this moment we hear the familiar words.
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8 NLT)
Also, Marc has extended a big thank you to the many people who have shared their insights, ideas and resources during July, and appreciates those who have entered into what is a painful, and at times personally confronting conversation.
Some Further Resources:
Four Corners – I Can’t Breathe
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man
You Can’t Ask That: Africans Australians answer ‘Is racism really that bad’