Dear Faith Leaders –
We write to you in acknowledgement of the pain, grief and anger of our Black siblings. We bear witness to the most recent incidents of violence perpetrated against them and their communities. To those who would judge, we say: anger can be a righteous response to murders and targeted state- sponsored violence, which has been cascading down for far too long. We cry out against the systems and structures which have perpetrated this violence for centuries.
We call on majority white faith communities to center the voices and experiences of Black and multicultural communities at this time. We ask majority white faith communities, and their leaders, to respond to the needs of communities of color, to serve as allies and supportive partners, and not place additional burdens upon Black leaders or communities, by asking them to interpret or exegete this moment for you.
We have heard offers of help and questions asking, “what shall we do?”
We have heard loud and clear from our Black siblings that:
…this IS the time to speak up.
…we cannot end with one sermon, prayer, or phone call
…speaking up, by itself, is insufficient, without additional action.
If you are looking for something to do, please make it concrete, and action-oriented. We have reached out to leaders in the African-American Council of Churches and intend to let their priorities guide us.
In the meantime, be bold in leading your people. Speak and pray as one who longs for systems change. Raise funds for ministries grounded in the Black community, for those jailed in resistance movements, for human needs. Contact public officials and demand systems change, an end to
violent, militarized police action. Use your privilege to put yourself between those who would do violence and those who need room to express their pain.
We suggest these three opportunities to show solidarity:
• Donate to and promote the Psalm 46 Relief Fund:
• Donate to and promote the Downtown Emergency Relief Fund.
•Attend an interfaith service of solidarity online – Together in Mourning and Hope: Faith in the Time of COVID-19 on Tuesday June 2 at 7 pm.
There may yet be an opportunity to show up in person; but we will wait for that call. There are those in our communities who would use this as an opportunity to sow mayhem and division. Some will tire of this message, and grow angry, and ask us to soften our words. We urge you to remain
strong. Peace will not come without justice. We lean on the teachings of our traditions that urge us to love our neighbor, to care for the vulnerable and those who have been mistreated, and to seek the well-being of the place you inhabit.
We promise to keep you informed about the outcome of our conversations, and specific opportunities to serve.
Rev. Kerri Parker
Executive Director
Wisconsin Council of Churches
Rabbi Bonnie Margulis
Executive Director
Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice
