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Introducti on: America has come a long way in regards to racial relations since

Introducti on: America has come a long way in regards to racial relations since the civil rights era, but it is naive to think that there is no longer an issue. Racism has managed to manifest itself into the social sectors and power structures of our world, creating a society that perpetuates disadvantage for those of color (See chart inside brochure). As followers of Christ we are called to engage in the work of reconciliation. In his book Restoring at Risk Communities, John Perkins examined the importance of racial reconciliation within the Church and the profound potential impact that it can have on the world. He states, “Jesus said our witness, our credibility to the world, is demonstrated by our love for each other. There is no greater witness to the genuineness of our gospel. Think about it. If, because of Christ, people of different races could live out a model of reconciliation that has not been attained by any other force, the world would have to ask, “Why?” It is only through Jesus Christ that true racial reconciliation can occur. This guide provides Biblical basis for why racial reconciliation is important to Christ, thus making it important to our lives as well. If we as Christians are to love our neighbors as ourselves, then it is crucial that the Church be at the forefront of racial reconciliation. The body of Christ is a multiethnic, multiracial entity, and we should strive to reflect that in our congregations. “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3: 27-28). God makes no distinction between all his beloved The Biblical Basis for Engaging in Racial Reconciliatio n. By: Natalie Brown, Savanah Stewart, and Cole Watson Image taken from sojo.net 5 Biblical Themes to Guide Us We are all created in the image of God. In Genesis we’re told that we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). This includes all of mankind, even those who differ from us ethnically. In Psalms and Ephesians we are celebrated as fearfully and wonderfully made masterpieces by God (Psalm 139:14, Ephesians 2:10). As creations of the living God we should love and celebrate all of those around us no matter our differences. We are called to treat everyone with dignity. In the Gospels Jesus displayed for us how we ought to live as he treated everyone with dignity and respect, including the marginalized and those who differed from Him in race, class, and gender (John 4:1-30, This brochure provides Biblical support regarding why racial reconciliation is important and furthermore why we are called to engage in it as the Church of Jesus Christ. We are all one in Jesus Christ Christ tells us that in Him we are all one (Galatians 3:27-28). Although our external appearance may differ, we are all seen as equals in God’s sight. As a result of this, we are called to love each other and live in accordance with the truth that in Jesus Christ we are all one (John 17:21, John 13:34-35). We are commanded to love one another. Christ demonstrated His all-encompassing love for us in His life on earth and death on the cross (1 John 3:16). Because of the love that Christ extended to us we are called, as followers of Christ, to extend this love to everyone as well (Matthew 22:36-39, Micah 6:8, Ephesians 3:19, Diversity gives us a fuller picture of the Kingdom of God. God created us all as individuals in His image and for His purposes. Diversity challenges us to not just view Christianity and the world from our own cultural lens but from a global and diverse perspective. By building relationships with people who differ from us we begin to see them not as different, but as brothers and sisters in Christ. We see this type of living in the early church! (Acts 2:5-12, 42-47) God embodied reconciliation Himself and now we are invited into that as well. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20) uploads/Litterature/ guide-brochure.pdf