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Edited Image 2014-8-3-18:34:27

A Message from Pastor Elaine

In light of the events currently shaking our Nation, the pastors, leaders, members, and adherents of Academy Cathedral hereby recognize that racism in America is real. It has affected the lives of countless people for centuries, right up to the present day. As a Bible-believing church, we condemn any act or attitude of racism, acknowledging its root cause for what it is – SIN. Satan seeks to steal, kill, destroy – and divide. We know the answer to racism is Jesus Christ.

 

It would be easy to say that we, as the Body of Christ, followers of Jesus, don't have a problem with racism. While this is possible, we must humbly acknowledge the likelihood that some have, no doubt, had racist thoughts from time to time. While one may not commit overt acts of racism, their thoughts are likely not always pure. Our inaction at times requires us to turn to God for cleansing, guidance, and the power of the Holy Spirit to better live out our faith. As James clearly says, “to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

 

As a member of the Body of Christ, let each of us examine our hearts. If we have thought evil of a neighbor of any different race, let us repent. If we have failed to step out and support a neighbor of a different race, when given the opportunity to help, let us repent. If we have thought, “this is not my problem”, let us repent. While society, at large, wrestles with racist systems that must be reformed, let us re-commit ourselves to loving our neighbor as ourselves. Let us remember Jesus' story of the good Samaritan - a story that makes clear that our neighbor includes anyone who is of a different race.

 

At Academy Cathedral, our focus and our cause remains the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it alone is the power of God unto salvation for all who will believe. Let us pray for America and the victims of racism that God's healing power is unleashed in their lives. Let us pray for those in authority who have the power to change systems in need of reform. Let’s pray for, and support, those who peacefully and lawfully seek to foster positive change, and let us re-commit ourselves to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  Each of us must humbly rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us to live each day for Christ, as Christ lived for the benefit of others. When the world can see us loving our brothers and sisters of all races, the Bible says they will know we follow Christ. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35) The more we love all our brothers and sisters, the more we are part of the solution to the problem of racism. Reconciliation will happen when all people work together, forgive each other and walk together in love.  We are all created in God’s image.

 

Only God's solution will have any lasting impact. Jesus is the answer.

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