Standing in solidarity; committing to change

For Christ himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. Ephesians 2:14

Jesus knew the pain and solitude of hanging on a tree, unjustly.  He knew the sorrow, shame, and despair that comes from a system that abuses power and turns away from truth.  Yet God’s story does not end in death nor injustice.  Jesus conquered death and gave us a promise of a world without dividing walls of hostility.  God made real what is still a distance away.  

We pray that God would give us the courage and wisdom to take down the walls of systemic institutional racism and hate that places our Black sisters and brothers in peril everyday.  We pray that the walls that protect and hide White supremacy be exposed and broken down. We stand in solidarity with our Black sisters and brothers who mourn and carry centuries of pain and trauma in their flesh. We pray that the murderers of George Floyd, Sean Reed, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery be charged and sentenced for their crimes.  We call on God to help us expose violence against Black bodies everywhere. 

As an institution, we commit to examining our curriculum, systems, and practices and divesting ourselves of resources that support racist views and values. We commit ourselves and ask our local, state, and national leaders also to commit themselves to self-reflection and institutional examination.  We ask that you commit to pray and work for justice, commit to organizational self-reflection, and pursue black and people of color inclusion in all spheres of power and leadership within your organization.   

To our Black families and community members

We know that you are experiencing pain and injustice that is unique to the Black community and we stand with you.  We will pray. We will petition for change.  We will protest alongside you. We are with you.

Here are some words from Mustard Seed’s mission and core commitments that reflect our goals for our students and for us as an institution.

We believe in creating unity as we embrace diversity. By engaging with our differences, we teach our students to genuinely know themselves, their neighbors, and the world. Our students become compassionate advocates who care for their communities and world.  Together we care for God’s world.  We remove barriers.

Peace be with you and in our world.