In the 1830s, 17,000 Native Americans were forced to leave their homes in the eastern mountains to live in the prairie. Historians say some 4,000 of them died on the way. Researchers also document that many towns and villages across our country have few or no African Americans because local people chased them away or prevented them from living in their areas. All this seems contrary to the values we read about in the Bible, which people of faith hold dear. We read this is Deuteronomy CH. 10: “The LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing.” So you, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.” Based on Scripture texts like these, it is inconsistent for people of God to condone bigotry and discrimination. That’s why followers of Christ of all ethnic groups speak out against racist ideologies and policies. They know our Lord desires respect and justice for all people.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
