Statement on the Death of George Floyd
by the Southside Baptist Network
June 4, 2020
As a multicultural association of churches committed to the equality and dignity of all people, the Southside Baptist Network condemns the racism and injustice that has plagued our nation and harmed our African Americans brothers and sisters for far too long. We grieve the death of George Floyd, who was killed May 25, 2020. We are praying for the family and friends of Mr. Floyd during this incredibly difficult time.
The entire Bible speaks to matters of justice and human dignity, and we are taught that all human beings, both male and female—of all ethnicities, colors, and ages—are sacred beings that God values and loves (Genesis 1:27). We embrace the Bible which teaches us to abhor murder, injustice, and the misuse of authority and force, and also calls us to love God and to love others as we love ourselves (Proverbs 6:16-19; Matthew 22:37-39).
The Bible reminds us that, as Believers, we are all equal parts of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12), yet we have different life experiences. Times like these bring out the disparity in our experiences and challenge us to truly sympathize with our brothers and sisters who have known a different life than we have. We weep with those who weep during this time (Romans 12:15).
We sincerely thank God for our law enforcement officers that bravely risk their lives for the sake of others and uphold justice with dignity and integrity. We abhor it when law enforcement officers misuse their authority and bring unnecessary harm on the people they are called to protect.
There has been plenty of time for change, yet it remains elusive. The stain of systemic racism remains as people continue to stir up hatred. Let this time be different.
Let this be the time when we unite and work to make tomorrow better than today.
Let this be the time when the church says in one voice: “As a matter of Christian obedience and devotion, followers of Jesus Christ cannot remain silent when our brothers and sisters, friends and/or people we seek to win for Christ are mistreated, abused or killed unnecessarily.” (http://www.bpnews.net/54877/southern-baptist-leaders-issue-joint-statement-on-the-death-of-george-floyd)
Let this be the time that we pray for our local, state, and national leaders. We pray that they seek justice, and call on them to act quickly and diligently to ensure that all injustices are brought to an end.
It will take all of us, seeking and doing justice (Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8) with loving-kindness and humility (Micah 6:8) and answering hate with genuine love and peace (Romans 12:9-21). We believe Jesus is the answer (John 3:16-17).
Southside Baptist Network Administrative Team
Ray Gentry, Associational Mission Strategist
Vincent L. Williams, Moderator
Randy Wood, Associate Moderator
Lanny Loe, Treasurer
Lance Wade, Clerk
Stan Jordan, Church Planting/Missions Team Leader
Cary Phillips, Community Impact Team Leader
Kenny Heath, Church Leadership Development Team Leader
Randy Gibson, Stewardship Team Leader
The entire Bible speaks to matters of justice and human dignity, and we are taught that all human beings, both male and female—of all ethnicities, colors, and ages—are sacred beings that God values and loves (Genesis 1:27). We embrace the Bible which teaches us to abhor murder, injustice, and the misuse of authority and force, and also calls us to love God and to love others as we love ourselves (Proverbs 6:16-19; Matthew 22:37-39).
The Bible reminds us that, as Believers, we are all equal parts of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12), yet we have different life experiences. Times like these bring out the disparity in our experiences and challenge us to truly sympathize with our brothers and sisters who have known a different life than we have. We weep with those who weep during this time (Romans 12:15).
We sincerely thank God for our law enforcement officers that bravely risk their lives for the sake of others and uphold justice with dignity and integrity. We abhor it when law enforcement officers misuse their authority and bring unnecessary harm on the people they are called to protect.
There has been plenty of time for change, yet it remains elusive. The stain of systemic racism remains as people continue to stir up hatred. Let this time be different.
Let this be the time when we unite and work to make tomorrow better than today.
Let this be the time when the church says in one voice: “As a matter of Christian obedience and devotion, followers of Jesus Christ cannot remain silent when our brothers and sisters, friends and/or people we seek to win for Christ are mistreated, abused or killed unnecessarily.” (http://www.bpnews.net/54877/southern-baptist-leaders-issue-joint-statement-on-the-death-of-george-floyd)
Let this be the time that we pray for our local, state, and national leaders. We pray that they seek justice, and call on them to act quickly and diligently to ensure that all injustices are brought to an end.
It will take all of us, seeking and doing justice (Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8) with loving-kindness and humility (Micah 6:8) and answering hate with genuine love and peace (Romans 12:9-21). We believe Jesus is the answer (John 3:16-17).
Southside Baptist Network Administrative Team
Ray Gentry, Associational Mission Strategist
Vincent L. Williams, Moderator
Randy Wood, Associate Moderator
Lanny Loe, Treasurer
Lance Wade, Clerk
Stan Jordan, Church Planting/Missions Team Leader
Cary Phillips, Community Impact Team Leader
Kenny Heath, Church Leadership Development Team Leader
Randy Gibson, Stewardship Team Leader
