In the wake of the tragic events in Charleston, S.C., American Baptist Home Mission Societies encouraged American Baptist churches to join with congregations of all faiths in observing Freedom from Racism Sunday on July 5.

July 5 is past, of course, but the need for these dialogues continues.

The hope for this day--established in partnership with the New Baptist Covenant, National African American Clergy Network and the African Methodist Episcopal Church--was that churches would use the Sunday after Independence Day to initiate dialogue about racism and oppression in the United States and how Christians can help bring Kingdom-building healing to our communities and nation.

Even though July 5 is a month behind us now, I encourage you to consider planning a Freedom from Racism Sunday in your church in the coming weeks. This intentional day of reflection, repentance and confession is an important opportunity to bring God's grace into healing conversations.  Among activities and collaborative actions that will create dialogue, consider planning special prayers that will show solidarity with Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Charleston S.C., so devastated by the horrific murders there.

Resources for announcing this day, for planning worship and more are available from the New Baptist Covenant. 

Join American Baptist churches and many other churches as well in the continuing march toward true freedom for all by designating your own Freedom from Racism Sunday and praying for the families of those killed in Charleston.

We will accomplish more together than we can alone, and doing nothing is no longer an option.

With hope,

Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III

Executive Director