News and Views

 

The criminal vandalism that was perpetrated on the properties of Asbury UMC, Metropolitan AMEC, and Luther Place Memorial on Saturday evening is without question ungodly and unpatriotic. Once again, people trespassed upon church property to engage in acts of intimidation and destruction. By removing the Black Lives Matter sign and burning it in the street, the vandals engaged in a historic practice of using fire to threaten the agency, autonomy, and advocacy of Black people. The victims of this hate crime are being preyed upon for a much larger anger, disappointment, and perceived loss of power by the perpetrators. Again, this is not new to our history and belies a deep-seated belief of superiority and a false sense of justification that perpetuates the scapegoating of Black and Brown people.

 

While the Constitution of the United States of America affords all citizens the right to peacefully assemble, to engage in non-violent protest, and to have their voices heard, it does not afford the right to engage in acts of intimidation and hatred. Unfortunately, these actions are arguably the direct result of racially coded language, often referred to as dog-whistle politics, that further divides our nation. It cannot continue.

 

As United Methodists, we have agreed through our baptismal vows to resist injustice and oppression. We have also committed ourselves to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Although we denounce in the strongest terms the vandalism that occurred at Asbury UMC, we still seek to be in conversation with all people to work toward understanding, reconciliation, and peace. We take this posture, not out of naivety or acquiescence, but because in the words of Dr. King, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." We choose love.