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Statement on Racial Injustice

West Highland Church

As a people who believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ reconciles sinners to God and a divided humanity to one another (Revelation 7:9-14; Ephesians 2:14-18), we are horrified by the public murder of George Floyd.  We are deeply distressed and profoundly disturbed by the images, rhetoric, violence, division and chaos that has followed.

The belief that different races are inferior or superior to one another is contrary to the revealed truth that God the Creator “made from one man every nation of men” (Acts 17:26). Since we are all God’s “offspring” (Acts 17:28) by creation, we affirm the unity and worth of the entire human race, that every human being whatever the colour of their skin is our brother or sister; equally created by God and made in his image, and therefore, has an equal right to respect and justice.

These truths are reflected in our doctrinal statement where we confess our conviction that “God created each person, male and female, in his image, and as a result, each person has inherent dignity and worth … we believe that every human life, from conception to death, has immeasurable value and significance and ought to be vigorously protected and ardently cherished" (Article 4.c).

In light of recent disturbing events, these deeply held convictions compel us to stand against attitudes, actions and systems that perpetuate racism and discrimination. We must work to rid ourselves of lingering racial prejudices that are contrary to the Gospel (Galatians 2:11-16). We must also labour as salt and light for a society characterized by racial justice and harmony, absent of racial discrimination and conflict. It is imperative that the church proclaim, in word and deed, the Gospel of reconciliation to all people and to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. It is our goal that God’s kingdom of righteousness, love and justice be experienced and enjoyed by people of all racial backgrounds.