As Christians, we believe in the light of God, and that God’s light reveals the truth. This truth contains the radical notion that God loves all of God’s children, and that we should do likewise. The Christian life requires nothing less.

Therefore, we have proudly displayed banners in front of our church declaring that Black lives matter. We have been blessed by local artists from P.A.I.N.T.S. Institute who asked to paint murals over our windows depicting not only the love of God for those of every race, but also a call for all people to work for justice and healing.

This past weekend groups of people in the darkness tore down and destroyed the signs of three of our neighbor churches, Luther Place, Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Asbury United Methodist Church. This is an act of hatred and intimidation not only against these worshiping communities—two of which are historic Black churches—but against all who are committed to racial healing in our city and beyond. We stand with our neighbors against these hateful acts.

These physical acts against church buildings bring to mind the words of Jesus, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” (Matthew 10:28) The demeaning work of white supremacy will not stand up to the light of God. It has no place in our city, and certainly no place on the steps of our houses of worship.

The power of God’s light can dispel any darkness, but it is up to us to make our lives bearers of that light, and to boldly stand together in love.