riots

Rioting is not a solution to any problem; it only creates more problems. It’s hypocritical to riot about a social problem, only to become a social problem yourself. Violence only serves to breed more violence.

The Christian response to those with whom we disagree is to pray for them (Matthew 5:44) and seek reconciliation with them (Matthew 18:15). In a democracy, we can utilize our governmental process to seek change (cf. Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Christians are to “keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable” so that “they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12).

On Monday, the international chairman of the Proud Boys, a controversial far-right group, was arrested in Washington for setting fire to a church’s Black Lives Matter banner.

A Vietnamese Baptist Church was burned down by rioters in Philadelphia on the second night of unrest following the police shooting of an armed Black man.

Amid civil unrest following the police-involved shooting of another Black man,  John Cooper of Christian rock band, Skillet, is praying for racial reconciliation, particularly in his hometown of Kenosha.

Conservatives and Christian leaders were reportedly harassed by a mod outside of the White House following the president's speech at the RNS on Thursday.

Faith leaders are speaking out against the police-involved shooting of a 29-year-old man in Wisconsin and the riots that followed.

Over the weekend, rioters in Portland, Oregon appeared to have set Bibles and American flags on fire.

In Washington, D.C. the historic St. John's church was again targeted by rioters. Across the country, in Seattle, Washington, the Seattle mayor is calling for an end of night protests in CHAZ as violence appears to be erupting in the area.

To follow Jesus’ teachings, we need to be like Jesus. We need his love for all people and his bold initiative to make a difference.