RESOLUTION TO COMBAT RACISM

WHEREAS, our world has a long and intolerable racist history; and

WHEREAS, racism manifests itself through discrimination, segregation and prejudice as demonstrated by people of all races; and

WHEREAS, racism is practiced consciously or unconsciously by nearly everyone; and

WHEREAS, racism is present in all of society's institutions including the church; and

WHEREAS, racism dehumanizes both the oppressed and the oppressor, and denies a basic humanity to all; and

WHEREAS, LSM-USA is composed of Christians dedicated to eradicating all forms of social injustice;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that LSM-USA consciously and deliberately deal with racism on a personal and social level through the following steps:

1. by acknowledging that each of us as members of society practice and perpetuate racism, and

2. by realizing that racism extends beyond personal prejudice into societal institutions, and

3. by educating ourselves and others about the prevalence, depth and acceptance of racism, and

4. by acting as a role model and challenging the power structure we live under, and

5. by establishing discussion groups and stimulating conversation about racism in our daily lives, and

6. by encouraging interaction between races in our congregations, communities and campuses

THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that LSM-USA actively combat all forms of

racism in the interest of furthering human rights and pursuing Christian ideals.

Authors: Jon Burkhow, Gustavus Adolph College  & Jennifer Starves, Gustavus Adolphus College

Sponsored by: Gustavus Adolphus College