We are grateful to God that our churches were intentionally built to be diverse according to Jesus’ call to “Go make disciples of all nations.” However, we all live in our cultures in 150 nations of the world that deeply affect us. The United States is experiencing a national racial crisis like no other since 1968. Our US churches are still becoming aware and awakening to the depth of pain in our African American members and in others. We are committed to King Jesus above all others. We mourn with those who mourn as Jesus did and welcome opportunities to repent of our sinful natures to transform more into the image of Christ.

Please join us this Saturday, June 6 at 12 pm EDT for a Unity Devotional presented by the ICOC US Social, Cultural, Unity and Diversity Team (SCUAD). The Unity Devotional will premiere on the ICOC YouTube channel and on the Disciples Today Facebook page and ICOC Facebook group. Michael Burns will be the host. Michael is a teacher for the Two Cities Church in Minneapolis, St. Paul, the epicenter of the current national crisis due to the horrific death of George Floyd at the hands of four policemen. God has used Michael to produce numerous books, videos, podcasts, workshops among us on how to biblically deal with race and culture in our churches: michaelburnsteachingministry.com

This is a time to lay our political views and our strong opinions at the foot of the cross, the most unjust event ever in history. In his crisis, Jesus washed the apostles feet and said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” – John 13:14. Let us come together to mourn with each other, serve and listen so we can each be a better instrument of light in this dark world. We are grateful for our brothers and sisters around the world who are sending prayers, empathy and encouragement. May we return the love in your distress.

The answers remain the same in all crises. Jesus is Lord and Savior. It is up to us to live as disciples in new ways to make a difference together as one.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. – Ephesians 4:2-6