CRC Statement on Racism, June 17, 2020
The Consultation of Religious Communities (CRC) consists of a diverse group of faith communities in Johnson County. In the aftermath of the death of George Floyd and the resulting protests in this nation and around the world, we wish to make our response known. We believe deeply that Black Lives Matter and deplore the deaths of all people of color whose lives have been ended through the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers.
The pursuit of justice requires that such actions be investigated and, when deemed criminal, be punished to the full extent of the law. We also express our support of those in our community who protest these actions peacefully and emphatically, honoring the fallen and demanding real change. Recognizing that statements of support, demands for justice, and expressions of anger are necessary, we hope they can be the beginning of serious change.
However, we do not believe that they alone will change the underlying systemic racism of our society. Racism will only be defeated when we reach out beyond boundaries, truly get to know, and understand people who are not “our” color and begin to form new extended communities of trust and communication.
To that end, we pledge to provide resources and tangible support to our faith communities in a concerted effort to reach across lines of color for dialogue and understanding. Specifically, we will help them address these tasks:
Becoming aware of the history of racism in our nation and its forms which exist today even in our faith communities.
Becoming aware of the reality of “white privilege” and how it affects people of all colors.
Creating opportunities for listening to our neighbors of color to hear whatever they wish to share with us.
Creating opportunities for developing personal relationships across color lines in our respective faith communities and neighborhoods. 5.
Providing ongoing learning opportunities for the entire community when appropriate.
Supporting the positive steps toward change that are developed and implemented by our governing bodies while maintaining an ongoing respectful dialogue with them.
We believe deeply that each person is created a child of God and loved by God without limit. Knowing this, we will not rest until all forms of racism in our communities and in this county are identified, addressed, and eliminated.
For more resources about race and equity, see these phenomenal resources from the National Museum of African American History & Culture.