LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

RACIAL UNITY RESOURCES

As followers of Jesus, Messiah is committed to learning, growing, and showing love to one another as God has loved us. Together, let’s work on next steps to live the life Christ calls us to lead, to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).

Statements by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and the Missouri District of the LCMS

God’s Word rejects racism. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). All are equally created by God. All are equally accountable to God. The sins of all are equally atoned for by Christ. All are equally precious to God. Racial animosity is the result of sin and is sin in itself. Racism is not acceptable in the church. Jesus Himself bids us to love our neighbors as ourselves and do so precisely while rejecting racial preference (cf. Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37).
– President Harrison, President of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS)

In spite of all of the advances that we have made in our modern world through science and technology, it is shameful that racism and hatred are still so prevalent in communities across our land. Such attitudes are contrary to God’s Word and our Lord’s call to love our neighbor as ourselves. We read in Proverbs, “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9) Lutheran Christians have a long history of speaking out for life in all its forms, from the baby inside a mother’s womb to the sick and dying. We are also called to speak out for all who have been victims of racial oppression in our communities.
– President Hagan, President of the Missouri District of the LCMS

The (Im)partial Church is a hopeful podcast about race, culture, diversity, and the Christian faith.

We understand the Church is far from perfect but believe we should strive to serve as an example to the world on how to handle these challenging issues with grace. Join us as we explore relevant issues surrounding how Christians empathetically relate to one another across cultural divides.

Our Senior Pastor Jim Mueller addressed racism during a recent worship service. You can view his words to our community on the video to the left.

Messiah’s former Senior Pastor Paul Schult is doing an entire message series at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Redwood City, CA on issues of racism, injustice, violence, oppression, and reconciliation. See how God’s Word can guide us in healing. Click the graphic to view his messages:

Lutherans for Racial Justice has launched a series of videos featuring diverse voices reading children’s books. They believe, “what we read to our children shapes their worldview, potential biases, passions they have and questions they ask. LRJ Reads is a weekly series that features LCMS members from a variety of vocations sharing a favorite story that is sure to launch a conversation in your home or classroom.”

Each book comes with a downloadable reading and activity guide.