Dear siblings in Christ,
You will doubtless be aware of the many incidents of violent disorder that have been occurring in the United Kingdom this month, disorder which has been stoked by extremists who are seeking to promote racial hatred and division in our communities.
As Christians we are encouraged by Jesus to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to live peaceably with all people (Romans 12:18). This stems from our calling as disciples to unconditionally love one another as Jesus commands (John 13:34) and to love God and love our neighbour as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). The violent incidents that have been seen across Britain are in opposition to God’s command to live peacefully and with love for our neighbour. Instead, they are motivated by hatred and go against the teachings of Jesus. It is therefore important that we condemn the violence and seek the way of Christ.
The Methodist Church affirms that racism is a denial of the Gospel. Not only does racism propagate injustice and inequality, but it denies the sacred dignity of human beings who are made in the image and likeness of God. Racist ideology is harmful and destructive; it inevitably leads to dehumanisation, oppression, discrimination, hostility, exploitation and degradation. Racism must therefore be resisted and opposed at every opportunity and recognised as being a pernicious manifestation of human sinfulness.
Please do pray for the situation that our nation is facing and demonstrate kindness and compassion to those who have been affected by the violence. Please also pray for the police and emergency service workers who are responding to these incidents and are endeavouring to keep us safe. As a Church we are called to model good relationships and to keep the bond of peace that we are offered in Christ and through the Spirit. Let us do this without prejudice and with love for every human person, as we celebrate the diversity found within the body of Christ.
The President and Vice President of the Methodist Church have issued a statement on the violent disorder that can be read below this letter. The Connexion will also be producing resources to enable churches to respond appropriately. In the mean time you can find out more about the Methodist Church’s commitment to Justice, Dignity, and Solidarity and to being a fully inclusive Church by visiting: https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/the-inclusive-methodist-church/
In all these things we ask that God might help us to continue to proclaim the Good News: That Jesus Christ died and was raised for every human being so that we might find reconciliation and new life through him. May the knowledge of God’s love for us in Jesus, and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, lead us into peace, justice, and reconciliation as together we seek Christ’s Kingdom.
Yours faithfully,
David Speirs
Revd David Speirs
Superintendent Minister
Northampton Methodist Church & Circuit.
The President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Helen Cameron, and Vice-President, Carolyn Godfrey, have released the following statement and prayer as a response to the violent disorder that has taken place over recent days.
The Methodist Church celebrates diversity as a gift from God. Every day we work through churches, schools and community projects to build relationships of respect, care and love in communities across Britain. Watching the news from towns and cities across our nations, where people motivated by hate have caused harm and fear, has been shocking and distressing. The Methodist Church deplores the use of violence and intimidation against displaced, marginalised and vulnerable people. We are appalled that the tragic killing of three young children and the injuring of others has been used as an excuse for riots and disturbances. Honesty and trust are at the heart of the Christian life and the abuse of social media in spreading lies to stir up anger and hate is despicable.
Those with hate in their hearts will never have the last word. As communities reel from unrest and disorder, Methodists will continue to work with our ecumenical and interfaith partners, as we join in clearing up, restoring trust and building communities of love, in which people can live in peace.
God of love,
We pray for your Spirit of peace to move in our communities,
that those who are targets of hate might be safe
and that people of good will might work together in love and respect.
We pray for your Spirit of healing,
that those who grieve, might be comforted
and those who are injured might be made well.
We pray for your Spirit of hope,
that those who despair might see a way ahead
and those who live in fear might find sanctuary and freedom.
Soften the hearts of those motivated by hate
and help us all to love our neighbours as those made in your image.
In Christ’s name.
Amen
