Racial Reconciliation
RON HAMILTON, CCCC CONFERENCE MINISTER
The CCCC office is located a few miles from the epicenter of turmoil and conflict stemming from the tragic death of George Floyd during an arrest in Minneapolis. This heartbreaking situation leads me to restate the CCCC position paper on Racial Reconciliation, including these words:
The need for worldwide racial reconciliation is great. The sins of prejudice, bigotry, racism and ethnocentrism in all their sinful manifestations exist both individually and institutionally. The lethal combination of prejudice plus power creates racial discrimination in all its depravity. The solution is found only in the atoning death of Jesus Christ and His Church, whom He calls to be ambassadors of reconciliation in the world (II Corinthians 5:15-21; Galatians 3:28).
Consider these things in response to this tragedy.
- CONFESS – Sins of prejudice and racism are a part of our fallen nature. We all need God’s help in addressing these sins. Jesus said, “First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye (Matthew 7:5).” As we humbly seek God’s grace, the Holy Spirit will identify and convict us of the sins that we harbor. God’s power and grace will help us overcome these sins.
- PRAY – Respond to the cries of justice by turning to the Lord and asking Him to work in mighty ways in this situation. Pray for the peace of Christ to rule and reign in the hearts of believers. Pray for our pastors and churches as they respond to the crisis. Pray for the peace of the city (Minneapolis-St. Paul) and all regions affected by this crisis.
- PURSUE RECONCILIATION – We are people of the Gospel called to be agents of reconciliation. Believers understand and have experienced this work of God. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).” God calls us to speak words of grace and build relationships of love across racial boundaries. Believers can lead the way in these things. These powerful steps can and will make a difference in a broken world.