Noting the pain, frustration, anger, and yet hope for the future that many feel “in the wake of the senseless murder of George Floyd by a former Minneapolis police officer,” the Rev. Eric Carr, Coordinator of Philadelphia BMCR (Black Methodists for Church Renewal), invites caucus members and guests to a Zoom video-conference meeting on Monday, June 15, at 6 PM.
Participants will discuss “where we are and what we should be doing when the dust settles.” Additionally, Carr says, “we will discuss challenges that we as Black Methodists within our denomination should address, and how we can support the Mother Zoar/New Vision UMC project.”
“BMCR Philadelphia stands in solidarity with the families of all of the unarmed black brothers and sisters who have been targeted unjustly and even killed at the hands of police,” Carr’s letter states. “Many of us have been out in the streets letting our voices be heard, protesting and joining in with various community prayers and marches against racism, injustice, and demanding change and reform with law enforcement agencies and their tactics and policies. Many have been partnering with various social justice advocates, ministries, and committees working towards change that is long overdue.” Contact: bmcrphila@gmail.com.
African American caucus issues call to action on racism
Also, see the solidarity and call to action statement published by National BMCR this week.
The board of directors calls on church leaders to “hold clergy and laity to a gospel that centers the voices of people of color and all those who are truly at risk for simply being present in this world.” They have also asked the Council of Bishops and General Conference Commission to determine whether it will still be safe to hold General Conference in Minneapolis in 2021. Read statement