Beloved of Eastport United Methodist Church,
Each year on this day I read the Letter from Birmingham Jail by Rev. Dr. King. It's a powerful message that needs re-reading time and time again, especially in these most recent days when white nationalism and other forms of racism has been on full display in the news.
If you haven't already, I encourage you to read it: https://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html
Recently, a small group from within our local church expressed displeasure to me about the letter from the United Methodist Church's Council of Bishops, a global body, that denounced white supremacy, christian nationalism, and the insurrection at the United States Capitol. (Here it is: https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/newsdetail/a-call-to-action-for-the-united-methodist-church-in-times-of-challenge-14958234)
I want to be very clear: I am beyond grateful for the Council of Bishops' teaching on this matter; their multi-agency efforts with the United Methodist Women and General Commission on Race and Racism to create the Dismantle Racism campaign; and their continual speaking to the realities of this sin.
If you are curious about the direction of the church, know this: I will continue to follow the teachings of Christ, the historic teaching of the Christian church, the guidance of our church discipline, and the leadership of the Council of Bishops.
I will continue to invite you to remember your baptismal covenant: renouncing the spiritual forces of wickedness, rejecting the evil powers of this world, repenting of sin, resisting evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever form they present themselves. This includes white supremacy, white nationalism, and the marginalization of people of color.
Annapolis and Eastport United Methodist Church are not exempt from the realities of racism and social injustice, EUMC will continue to strive to seek reconciliation for all members of our community.
