equality

The U.S. -- and the world -- has been wrestling with issues of racial equality for centuries. In America in recent times, the issues of racism and equality have been particularly at the forefront of our national discourse, with many Christian leaders speaking out against racism and for reconciliation. Ultimately, many Christian leaders have acknowledged that there is much injustice to face and much work to be done, but that the Gospel is essential to true and lasting reconciliation. Here are 10 quotes from Christian leaders on the issues of racism, equality, and what the Church can do to work for justice and unity.

Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/SafakOguz

The United States has not always lived up to the beautiful sentiments of equality expressed in its founding documents. That many Americans owned slaves went against the ideals that we express. The Trail of Tears, Jim Crow laws, Japanese internment, and a host of other policies have treated people like they are less than what the Declaration says they are. The United States has often failed to live up to its self-evident truths. Yet, in many ways, the American story is the tale of a nation learning to be what it says it is.

I am hopeful that our commitment to the fact that “all men are created equal” will empower us to face our challenges together while embracing the value and beliefs of every American. But it is this very commitment to the equality of all people that could be our greatest spiritual peril today.

White Americans like me cannot truly understand the African American experience. As I stated earlier this week, I have never experienced racial, economic, or judicial system discrimination. I would guess that many of you are like me.

To that end, I would like to recommend some resources I have discovered this week:

While a Tennessee police officer prayed with protester during a rally for racial equality and justice for George Floyd, in Wisconsin, protestors sang the contemporary Christian song "Waymaker" as they too march for racial equality.

Former NFL coach Tony Dungy took to Twitter over the weekend imploring Christians to lead the charge in the fight for racial equality.

It’s ironic how often orthodox Christians are accused of being obsessed with sex these days. After all, what’s more obsessive than investigating thousands of businesses to determine whether they’re “kind” and “inclusive” only to those who engage in certain types of sexual behavior, and not to anyone else?

It would be one thing if the Human Rights Campaign kept this obsession to themselves, but they’ve successfully weaponized their Equality Index as a formidable force of their obsession. 

Yet again, Fuller Theological Seminary is facing a lawsuit after the school expelled a second student because of his sexual identity. 

Today is Juneteenth (“June” plus “nineteenth”). The less you know about this holiday, the more you need to know. On June 19, 1865, two months after the Confederacy surrendered, Union General Gordon Granger led a group of federal troops into Galveston, Texas. Maj. Gen. Granger issued this declaration: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, ‘all slaves are free.’

One of the most important developments in American culture over the last few years has been the elevation of women. Especially since the #MeToo movement inspired victims to come forward, we’ve become serious about ending the harassment and silencing of women.