This website is here first and foremost to connect with the youth of St Aldates church, in a time when we can't meet together in person to worship God, to learn more about him and support one another as a community. Whilst the thoughts we share are primarily for the youth, we understand that others also see this website. Today's unpolished thoughts are the start of a sensitive conversation that we will continue to have.
Since the horrendous death of George Floyd just over two weeks ago, we've been trying to find the words to say, which has therefore meant that we have currently said nothing.
Not because we have been silent and removed from all that has been stirring, but because we have been listening. Listening to the voices of the black community share necessary and important thoughts, feelings, emotions, stories and so much more, so that we can stop and learn.
In many ways we still don't know what to say. However, we cannot see racial injustices and decide to stay silent.
As the Church, and as a youth group, we don't want to shy away from things that are hard to talk about. More importantly we don't want to shy away from things that are important to God.
Youth of St Aldates, and anyone else who happens to read this, please can I urge you to stop and listen long enough to educate yourself on the fight against racism. To stand and declare that Black Lives Matter. If at the moment you aren't sure how to respond, begin by talking to God, lamenting over the state that things are in and seeking God.
The Bible teaches us right at the very beginning in Genesis 1:27 that, 'God created human beings in his own image.'. No-one that God created is exempt from that, yet we have continued to allow a different narrative rule for far too long. It is time for change, and we must all play our part in rewriting the story.
Some resources for you to look at...
Rachel Cargle - Instagram
The Black History Lesson - Instagram
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix - by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi - Book
Road Map for Revolutionaries: Resistance, Activism, and Advocacy for All - Elisa Camahort Page, Carolyn Gerin, and Jamia Wilson - Book
Black British History We’re Not Taught in Schools - David Olusoga - YouTube