Resolution On Hate Crimes Approved At Clergy Session

WHEREAS the North Texas Annual Conference has committed itself to create disciples of Jesus Christ who are courageously anti-racist in a broken and hurting world through our conference initiative, the Journey Toward Racial Justice, and

WHEREAS this work of racial justice needs our constant attention due to the prevalence of white supremacy that exists in our churches, communities, and institutions, and

WHEREAS since the beginning of this conference-wide initiative, racially motivated hate crimes have risen dramatically over the past two years, including the most recent shootings at a hair salon in Dallas targeting the Asian community and at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, targeting the Black community, and

WHEREAS clergy and laity have a responsibility to resist evil in whatever forms it presents itself, with special attention given to eradicating hate in whatever forms it arises within our community, and

WHEREAS Scripture teaches us that God created every human being in God’s image and that every person, regardless of race or color, is a reflection of God’s glory; therefore, racism is incompatible with Christian teaching, is sinful and evil, and denies the image of God in others and oppresses those who are the object of God’s affections, leading to the violation and denial of human rights, justice, and inherent human sacred worth.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the clergy of the North Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church publicly and swiftly condemn acts of hate violence, with special concern given to those in our geographic jurisdiction, so that the world may know that Christ’s people are opposed to such violence and so that the victims and their communities may know that we stand with them, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we implore local congregations to study and discuss the problem of hate crimes together as a community; and that the Journey Toward Racial Justice coordinating and advisory teams help provide appropriate study materials, and specifically, once resources are available, the conference help equip clergy and laity to speak directly to the rise of hate crimes in our communities by making said resources available on the conference website, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we especially encourage district superintendents to help multiple congregations come together across differences such as race or ethnicity and undertake this work together.

Submitted by:

Rev. Dr. Frank Drenner, Grace UMC in Sherman, TX

Rev. Dr. Edgar Bazan, New World UMC in Garland, TX

Rev. Silvia Wang, First United Methodist Church in Archer City, TX

Rev. Joshua Manning, Grace Avenue UMC in Frisco, TX

Rev. Elizabeth Moseley, Highland Park UMC in Dallas, TX

Rev. Rosedanny Ortiz

Rev. Mitchell Boone, White Rock UMC in Dallas, TX

Rev. Derek Jacobs, The Village UMC in Desoto, TX

Published: Monday, May 16, 2022