How to respond to racial injustice

As Christians, we are called to stand on the side of love and justice. It is not enough to condemn racism; our faith compels us to speak up and take action against oppression and injustice in all of its forms.

‘Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.’ (Isaiah 1:17)

Racism destroys relationships, and broken relationships cause poverty and suffering. If we want to bring an end to extreme poverty, we need to address racial injustice.

Though the Black Lives Matter movement may no longer be front-page news, the issues it raises remain firmly at the forefront of Tearfund’s agenda.

We see the impact of racism on members of our staff, our partners and on many of the people we serve. As Tearfund, we believe that all people are made in the image of God.

‘I have been feeling exhausted. It is seriously tiring being Black and I am feeling the weight of that fatigue more and more these days. Yet, I remain hopeful, both in our Lord and in our people,’ shares a Tearfund staff member.

Tearfund supports the wider anti-racism movement associated with #BlackLivesMatter. By supporting the wider anti-racism movement, we are not saying that all lives do not have equal value. However, at this time in our society, Black people suffer disproportionately and we stand in solidarity with them in calling for justice and equality for all. Our hearts are with everyone who has been discriminated against because of the colour of their skin.

We would love you to join us. Let us put our faith into action. Together, we can bring about change for good.

We have put together a guide that you can use to help you respond to racial injustice wherever you are. It includes ideas on how you can engage your church, Bible studies that you can do on your own or with your small group, as well as prayer points. There is a letter template, so you can write to your MP and highlight more widely these issues in society. We have also included a resource list, to help you continue to unpack the issue and respond.

We hope you find the guide helpful as you prayerfully engage with the issue of racial injustice. And please continue to join us in praying for healing and the restoration of peace where racism has caused the inequality that devalues human life.

PLEASE PRAY

God of restored relationships to whom we all belong,
Bring healing to all those that are suffering and have endured the pain caused by racial injustice. Restore broken relationships, bring your peace and wholeness to all people in all places.

Ever present God,
You called us to be in relationship with one another, to love our neighbour as ourselves and to speak up against injustice. We apologise for where we have fallen short of this. We ask God that you continue to show us how we can challenge racism in all of its forms.
In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Download the Black Lives Matter guide to help you respond to racial injustice.