Honouring Black History Month - Lent 1 - March 6, 2022
Nehemiah 1:4-7
Deborah Laforet
Why Black History in Church?
So far, you have heard about slavery and race riots in Canada. You will also hear about segregation and civil rights in Canada. On a day like today, when we focus on Black history and racism, some of you may question why we do this in church. What does this have to do with God, our bible, and our faith.
I’m not going to take a long time on this question, not today anyway, except to say, that the church is a part of our culture and our society. The church is a part of much good in this world but also part of some of the bad. The church has been complicit in slavery, the attempted genocide of indigenous people, and conversation therapy of the LGBTQ+ community.
Like Nehemiah, we are on our knees as we hear of past harms and current exposures of harm. We weep and mourn and pray to God for forgiveness for breaking commandments and covenants. In the words of Nehemiah, “We have offended you deeply.”
So on days like today, we become more aware, we weep, we seek forgiveness, and we learn how we can do better. We move forward in hope, peace, joy, and love as we strive to create a heaven on earth, for All people. As we have heard already and will hear again, it only takes ONE voice to initiate change. Together, let our voices be strong. May it be so. Amen.