July 12, 2020
Dear Pastors, Ministry Leaders & Friends:
The pastors and Christian leaders involved with Share The Power and One Voice ministries in the Lehigh Valley were heartbroken and outraged as we witnessed the assault of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis resulting in his death. Likewise, we have been stunned to see peaceful protests by fellow Americans of all races, genders, and ages highjacked by non-peaceful factions engaged in rioting, looting, and acts of deadly violence.
We feel compelled by God’s love to seek a greater understanding of the deep rooted issues dividing America, and to speak out against injustices of every kind as the Holy Spirit leads us. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
As pastors and Christian leaders in the Lehigh Valley, we stand united against any form of prejudice, injustice, racism, violence, and brutality at the hands of certain police officers. These sinful acts dishonor all people and grieve our Heavenly Father who made all human beings in His image (Genesis 1:27). With humble hearts, we cry out to our Lord Jesus for ourselves first in genuine repentance of any of these sins in our own lives, and we call others to repent with us. (Micah 6:8)
We resolve to break down the racial barriers that hinder mutual understanding, reconciliation, and equality within the body of Christ (Acts 10:34-35) and we will work together to realize the American ideal of a society that values life, liberty, and justice for all.
With the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction, we pledge to pray fervently and work tirelessly to bring about needful reconciliation among all races by first being reconciled to God through Christ and then practice intentional reconciliation with one another. (2 Cor. 5:17-19). We believe that these mutual efforts between brothers and sisters of differing backgrounds and racial identities will bring a new measure of unity as stated in John 17:21 – “that they may all be one, even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us; so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” We are convincedthis unity will bring many to salvation; bring revival first in ourselves and then in our Valley; and push back the increasing darkness, advancing the Kingdom of God here in this region where the Lord has placed us. (Acts 17:26).
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.” (Psalm 133:1)
We ask that you prayerfully consider sharing this with your congregation and others you believe would appreciate hearing our resolve and be open to working together to achieve these goals.
For His Kingdom,
Share The Power Board of Directors & One Voice Leadership Team