Bishop Holston
A statement from Bishop L. Jonathan Holston:
The posting of a racist message Tuesday at the University of South Carolina shows we have a long way to go to fulfill God’s mandate to love our neighbors.
The use of hate speech and racial slurs has gained renewed acceptance in today’s world, and the ubiquity of social media has made it easier to spread words that hurt.
In this world of 24-hour news, we often wish that turning a blind eye to hateful ignorance will make it fade away. Today, sadly, such rhetoric has worked its way to the forefront of our public debate.
Novelist and social critic James Baldwin, writing throughout the Civil Rights Movement, said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
As a people of faith opposed to racism and committed to social justice, we again find ourselves called to witness, advocacy and prayer. We are compelled to clearly and without hesitation stand up to those in positions of authority who pit us against each other. To renounce the forces of wickedness in our world. To accept our God-given freedom and power to advocate against evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.
It is up to us to walk in the footsteps of Christ, who opened the church to people of all ages, nations and races.
Please join me in praying that love will be vigilant and truth will be bold.
Grace and peace,
L. Jonathan Holston
Resident Bishop
South Carolina Conference
The United Methodist Church
