The Elders of UPC Orlando commend our denomination’s responses to the sin of racism and the need for racial reconciliation. For the glory of God and the good of Orlando, we believe it is important for us, as elected church leaders, to speak biblically, clearly, and truthfully on these matters.
Therefore, let it be known: We believe all people are made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27) and have intrinsic dignity, worth, and value. We believe God is actively gathering a people for Himself “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (Rev. 7:9). We believe racism, in all of its forms, is sin and has absolutely no place in the Kingdom of God and, therefore, our church.
We believe Christ is the only One who can bring about racial reconciliation. We believe the gospel is primarily about reconciliation between God and humanity; but also has clear implications regarding reconciliation between individuals and people groups (Eph. 2:14; Gal. 2:14; 1John 2:9).
We lament the silence of many of our Presbyterian forefathers during the civil rights era. We want to do better, speaking the truth in love to this and future generations. We recognize a written statement is insufficient and we pledge to do what we can to promote and encourage racial justice and harmony. We commit to listen to the voices of those who have experienced the degrading realities of a racialized society. We intend to act in the interest of biblical justice in all the places where God has given us influence. And we remain committed to our mission to make disciples who love God, love neighbor, and reflect the goodness, justice, and mercy of Christ.
This page is in the process of being populated with resources for Christians longing to understand racial justice and do things to promote it. Please be advised there are a variety of perspectives (some of which are not yet represented here), and it is always wise to seek a balanced view on any given topic.
PCA Position Paper on Racial Reconciliation
Covenant Seminary Statement on Biblical Justice
The Bible and Race (March 2020) https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/the-bible-and-race/
The Sin of Racism (June 2020) https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/the-sin-of-racism/
A Biblical Critique of Secular Justice and Critical Theory (Sept 2020) https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/a-biblical-critique-of-secular-justice-and-critical-theory/
TGC Podcast: Shai Linne on the Gospel and Ethnic Unity
Bloodlines - a video by John Piper https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us-tvWT2gDo
Woke Church – Eric Mason
Generous Justice - Tim Keller
The Beautiful Community - Irwin Ince