Dear FCC family,
My friend Rev Dr Cody Sanders wrote –
“My mind keeps moving between
Jesus & George Floyd
They each asked for something so simple
“I can’t breathe.”
“I thirst.”
In their dying moments
they each thought of their mothers.
Each of their executions dramatically
exposed the violent logic of empire.”
While the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breionna Taylor, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Botham Jean, Philando Castile, Atatiana Jefferson, and countless other African Americans happen on the other side of the planet, we cannot remain silent.
Jesus commanded us to love our neighbours as ourselves. The question should not be “who is my neighbour?” but “how do I love my neighbours?” In this interconnected world, every human being is our neighbour.
Black Lives Matter.
Former US President George W. Bush wrote –
“It is time for America to examine our tragic failures – and as we do, we will also see some of our redeeming strengths. It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans, especially young African American men, are harassed and threatened in their own country. It is a strength when protesters, protected by responsible law enforcement, march for a better future. This tragedy — in a long series of similar tragedies — raises a long overdue question: How do we end systemic racism in our society? The only way to see ourselves in a true light is to listen to the voices of so many who are hurting and grieving. Those who set out to silence those voices do not understand the meaning of America — or how it becomes a better place.”
At the same time, while we are casting our gaze far away, we also need to recognise the racism that exists in Singapore. How can we cry out for justice for people far away, when we ignore also the injustices that happen near us?
Are we ready to engage in listening and learning about the systemic racism that also exists in Singapore? Will the scales fall from our eyes and see how the migrant workers are treated is also systemic racism? Do we still think that the brownface incident last year was just a small matter? Are we willing to participate in the difficult work to recognise our privilege and dismantling racism?
Our hope is that the inequalities and injustices that are becoming increasingly evident during this period will lead to tangible, long-term changes in our social systems as we each do our part.
Are we willing to do what God requires of us?
To do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God?
Shalom,
Miak and Pauline