Listen
Following the news of the death of George Floyd, I want to speak out against the evils of racism. But before I speak, I need to listen. So I’ve choosen to listen to a few of the many who have experienced racism. And, so, I invite you to listen too. Listen to those who have lived with racism on a diaily basis. Listen to those who have been scared by racial abuse and trauma. And listen to those who are committed to making a difference, inviting us to see our world from a different point of view.
Pete
Listen to those who knew George Floyd as a “person of peace” in Houston’s Third Ward, in this news article in Christianity Today, talking about his baptism, his work and his legacy in the community.
Listen to Pastor Tope Koleoso from Jubilee Church London, as he identifies himself in the killing of George Floyd.
Listen to Dr. Anita Phillips as she explores racism through the themes of trauma, dehumanisation, faith and cultural worldviews. Anita is a church minister and a professor of counselling and psychology, working with a goal to help bring a conversation about mental health to the forefront in the church and community; sharing facts and providing insight rooted in scripture. This is 80 minute interview, hosted by Christine Caine, is profoundly enlightening and deeply challenging. Christine Caine is an internationally renowned speaker , and founder of The A21 Campaign to end human traffickingand modern day slavery.
Listen to Rev Yinka Oyekan, current President of the Baptist Union of Great Britian, as he writes about his experience of racism in the church and in society.
Listen to Rev Gareth Murray Jr as he shares his experience of racism, described in terms of trauma and abuse. I met Gareth when were both studying at Spurgeon’s College, and he is now senior pastor at Hillendale Baptist Church in Dale City, Virginia.
Listen to Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts as he writes about Martin Luther King’s dream of justice, and reflects on followers of Jesus protesting against the injustice of the world. Wale is the Justice Enabler of the Baptist Union of Great Britain.
Listen to Rev Dr Kate Coleman as she askes the question, Are you M.A.D. with the world?! (MAD = Make A Difference). Kate was the first black woman to become an accredited Baptist minister in the UK and then became the first black female President of the Baptist Union of Great Britian (2006-7).
And now pray.
And if like me, you struggle to know how to pray, then you might like to pray a prayer with words written by my friend, Jimmy Orr, who writes this prayer someone who doesn’t understand but wants to; who doesn’t know how to help but wants to; who doesn’t know what to say but can’t remain silent any longer…