Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

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AZ State Capitol ecumenical event responds to systemic racism

Bishop Hutterer joins other Christian leaders at the Arizona State Capitol for an event on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 8 am, entitled “From Chaos And Crisis To Community In Christ: The Church Addresses Systemic Racism through Repentance, Reconciliation and Restoration.” You can view the event online on the4c.org.

Christian leaders from diverse ethnicities and denominations in the Phoenix Metropolitan area are gathering for prayer and repentance. 

For more information visit the4c.org, or view the following resources:

Press Statement

From Chaos & Crisis to Community in Christ: The Church Responds to Systemic Racism through Confession, Repentance, Reconciliation, Restoration & Commitment 

From Chaos & Crisis to Community in Christ (FCCCC) is a movement by churches catalyzed by the horrific moments of the televised execution of Mr. George Floyd. Churches in Arizona begin this movement by confessing and seeking God in repentance for sin—of commission, omission, and disposition—as it relates systemic racism and separatism in our nation and in the church, followed by prayers for restoration, reconciliation, peace, and commitments toward working to end systemic racism. 

This event has historic precedence in seeking to unite all Christians across ethnicities, races, ages, and traditions. “Although systemic racism has plagued America since its inception, the murder of Mr. George Floyd brought America to a state of national reckoning, said Pastor Tyler Johnson of Redemption Churches Arizona. “The magnitude of this event has been a catalyst for this movement, not just with African Americans, but with Whites, Latinos, Asians, Africans, Indigenous people, young, not so young – people all over the world who care about our standing with God and our relationship with one another”, said the Right Rev. Jennifer Reddall, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. 

As a Community in Christ, statements and prayers will be offered in: 

  • Confession: Genesis 1: 26-28; Malachi 2:10 

  • Repentance: 2 Chronicles 7:14 

  • Reconciliation: Romans 12: 3-5; 2 Corinthians 5:6-20 

  • Restoration: Luke 19:1-10, and 

  • Unity: John 17 

“This is a Kairos moment,” said Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Chairperson, African American Christian Clergy Coalition. “God is interrupting our regular schedules to demand that we make a change. Together we will cry out to God in confession, repentance, and prayer for peace in our cities, state, and nation, and we will call for unity in the stand against systemic racism in America and in the Church.” 

“Christians from all walks of life have prayed to God for transformation in our nation,” said Bishop Eric Minta, President, International Ministerial Council of Arizona. It is our intention that this event will spark a movement toward continued learning, fellowship, prayer, and relationships across Christian traditions and beyond.” 

This event will be streamed live on www.the4c.org so that others can stand in solidarity, prayer and join with us. Media are invited to film the event onsite with PPE and social distancing. For day-of, onsite information, please contact Pastor Aubrey Barnwell at 623.466.5214 or Dr. Jannah Scott at 602.505.8164.