The recent violence in Atlanta has again placed a bright light on the issues of pervasive racism and misogyny in our country. Eight more lives were taken, and countless more were twisted and transformed. Wesley-Luther stands with the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities.

Over the past year, hate crimes and hate incidents against Asian Americans have spiked, with nearly 3,800 taking place across the United States. Wesley-Luther condemns the hate, violence, and anti-Asian bias experienced by these communities. Many of you may feel hurt or other emotions, and the trauma of such events can have very real consequences for members of the UNCG community.

COVID-19-related rhetoric has undergirded this sudden increase in race-based violence. The use of racial terms used by politicians and news outlets to describe the virus has directly contributed to this toxic environment. This rhetoric was weaponized against members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It tapped into a long history of Asian American discrimination in the United States that once brought Manzanar and The Chinese Massacre in Los Angeles.

Today’s release of a DNI report makes clear that the danger of white nationalist domestic terrorism and the threat of further violence are very real. The intersection of violent nationalist rhetoric, toxic masculinity, and pervasive racism has created an environment in which hate crimes and violence are increasing. The weaving of sexism and racism together in groups like the Proud Boys was largely responsible for the violent insurrection on January 6.

To be clear: White supremacy, misogyny, and racism are incompatible with the teachings of Jesus. We acknowledge that the church has in the past participated in the creation and sustaining of grossly unjust, racist, and violent parts of our society. We as a church often still fail to confront and change the ways in which we nurture that injustice. Further, attempts to compare the protests of last summer with the growing racist violence not only make a false equivocation but are dangerous.

At Wesley-Luther and the Spartan Open Pantry, we believe that our relationships across our diverse community, and partnerships with other religious and cultural communities, are a blessing and our strength. We value and raise up our unique experiences and traditions and give thanks for the richness of stories and diversity across creation. We commit to fighting racism and discrimination of all forms in our community and world. We also commit to being a welcoming community for all people and believe that discrimination has no place in our student community or the work of the Spartan Open Pantry.

Christ calls all believers to work for justice in this world, as God works for justice for all peoples.

UNCG is committed to creating spaces for conversation and support for students affected by or processing these events. The Office of Intercultural Engagement works to support students from all backgrounds, and the Counseling Center is available for students whose mental health or wellness has been impacted by these events. The Counseling Center can be reached anytime by calling 336-334-5874.

I am also available to talk or to offer support and prayer (andrew@wesleyluther.org).

May God comfort all those who mourn and bring hope and justice to those who cry out.

In the Peace and Love of Christ,

Andrew