About the National Day of Repentance, Remembrance and Re-Engagement

Against a backdrop of the COVID-19 global pandemic and on the heels of multiple racist incidents against Black people including the police killing of Breonna Taylor on March 13th, 2020 and racial weaponization of police against an innocent Black bird watcher in New York's Central Park, the entire world was riveted by viral footage of the brutal murder of Mr. George Floyd that took place on May 25th, 2020. 

As protests erupted across America and beyond, faith communities wrestled with what to say, what to do and how. For a time, it seemed as though finally, America was ready to accept the truth of racial injustice in our generation and begin the work of transformative change. But in the months and years that followed, we've mostly seen regression to the previous status quo - divisive, insensitive rhetoric, DEI program walkbacks in government and corporate America, and a discernible apathy among white Christians - many of whom were vocal in their support of racial conciliation at the time, but have since acquiesced to their racist parishioners or the pressure of not knowing what to do next. 

As we approach the 5-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, the time is now to repent for America's original sin of white supremacy and racism, and re-commit to the work of healing our communities and country from the sinful divisions that continue to encumber justice and peace.