Pandemic Ponderings of the Transitional Presbytery Executive for the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley
April 12, 2021

In the rise of violence against Asians in the past year including the mass shooting of eight in Atlanta of whom six were of Asian descent, the Anti-Racism Committee of the presbytery has issued the following strong statement:

THE ANTI-RACISM COMMITTEE OF PRESBYTERY OF SHEPPARDS AND LAPSLEY DENOUNCES VIOLENCE AGAINST ASIANS

The recent acts of violence against our Asian brothers and sisters in America have been heinous and horrific. There is no doubt that these acts, which are growing in frequency, are the result of the xenophobic rhetoric that was unearthed during the last president’s administration and the subsequent tolerance that signaled their acceptance.
We, the members of the Anti-Racism Committee of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley, not only stand in solidarity with our Asian brothers and sisters, but we also adamantly condemn such actions, thoughts, and messages that promote such sinful expressions of ignorance.
Racism in any form, hate in any fashion, misogyny in any tone, or xenophobia in any tenor are antithetical to Christian doctrine, abhorred by the Presbyterian Church USA, and denounced by the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley.
May God keep you, and all of us safe, as we forge ahead on building the kingdom of God and creating the beloved community.

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Thank you to the Anti-Racism Committee. May they speak for all of us!

As ever in prayer,

Sue Westfall