Antiracism Statement
Old Stone Church Antiracism Statement
Facing Racism: A Vision of the Intercultural Community
The Old Stone Church antiracism policy affirms that “racism is the opposite of what God intends for humanity…it is a lie about our fellow human beings, for it says that some are less than others.” Racism is a system of racial prejudice exerted by those in power – institutionally and individually, consciously and unconsciously – that is deeply ingrained in the history of the United States. It benefits white people in the dominant culture while disadvantaging and oppressing people of color.
The Old Stone Church is part of an institution founded and historically run by white people that remains approximately 83% white. We must come to terms with those numbers and their implications for the work we do and the audiences we reach. We are undeniably implicated in the entrenched legacies of racism and white supremacy that continue to shape the United States and our church.
The church is mandated in Facing Racism to “embrace antiracism as a major part of [our] corporate identity.” To this end, we state unequivocally that racism and all forms of discrimination and marginalization are sins against humanity and God, inconsistent with our Christian and corporate values, and unacceptable within our agencies and entities. We understand that all our members “must unlearn and undo existing racist values and structures” that persist despite our expressed values and intentions if we are to create an antiracist church where “all persons are treated with respect; all gifts are valued and encouraged, and diversity is a gift to be valued.”
We recognize the strides we have made, even as we acknowledge there is more work to do. As we strive to be an antiracist church, we commit to:
As we strive to be an antiracist church, we commit to:
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- Repenting of the role we collectively and individually have played and continue to play in creating and maintaining white supremacy and systemic racism;
- Providing antiracism and cultural humility training for employees as directed by the church-wide antiracism policy;
- Developing and implementing practices and strategies to disrupt and dismantle racism
We acknowledge that this work will not be easy. But, as our antiracism policy affirms: “Because of our biblical understanding of who God is and what God intends for humanity, The Old Stone Church must stand against, speak against, and work against racism. Antiracist effort is not optional for Christians. It is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship, without which we fail to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.”
Here at The Old Stone Church, we adopt the commitment to equity and inclusion and strive to weave it into the fabric of our congregation and staff on a consistent and continuous basis.
Resource
Facing Racism: A Vision of the Intercultural Community, 222nd General Assembly (2016)