The ELCA has reaffirmed its commitment to combating racism and white supremacy “following the recent murders of Black Americans,” the church’s Conference of Bishops said in a statement. The ELCA’s social policy resolution, “Condemnation of White Supremacy and Racist Rhetoric,” was adopted by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
“As the Conference of Bishops, we condemn the white supremacy that has led to the deaths of so many unarmed Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color in our country. We grieve with, pray for and stand in solidarity with the families and friends of all whose loved ones have been and continue to be victims of injustices run amok, racist violence and the insidious venom of white supremacy,” the statement read, in part.
An online ELCA prayer service is planned for June 17, “marking the fifth anniversary of the martyrdom of the Emanuel 9,” the statement read. “We encourage congregations to reaffirm their commitment to repenting of the sins of racism and dismantling white supremacy that continue to plague this church by marking this day of penitence with study and prayer leading to action.”
