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The United Church of Christ has issued a pastoral letter addressing unity and justice within the church and broader society. The letter comes during the Advent season, a time traditionally marked by hopeful anticipation.
The letter highlights the political divide in the United States, particularly after the recent presidential election. It notes that such division is also evident within the church itself, where diversity spans political lines. The authors stress that "unity does not mean uniformity" and emphasize that current political narratives differ significantly from those in recent history.
A significant concern raised is white Christian nationalism, described as an ideology rooted in white supremacy. The letter states: "The Christian nationalist movement is largely white, reflecting the long entanglement of nationalism and racism that is our collective inheritance since the earliest days of America’s colonial settlement."
The ministry of Jesus is cited as prioritizing marginalized individuals, with love being a central tenet. The call to love one's neighbor extends beyond church walls into communities and globally. "Our action on behalf of those in our communities is based on love," it reads.
Christian unity remains a priority for many denominations worldwide. The United Church of Christ's motto, “that they may all be one” (John 17:21), reflects this aspiration for unity among followers of Christ despite doctrinal differences.
Justice is another key theme addressed in the letter. Historical efforts by predecessors of the UCC are acknowledged, including abolitionism and civil rights advocacy. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words remind readers that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
Looking forward, the letter envisions rising to future challenges through truth-telling and compassionate ministry: "We will rise to the challenge of loving beyond our human capacity."
Signed by Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, Rev. Shari Prestemon, Rev. Dr. Bentley DeBardelaben-Phillips, and members of the Council of Conference Ministers, this pastoral message calls for reflection on how best to embody unity and justice moving forward.
