Adopted by Council of Bishops on November 6, 2018<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cThe Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Racism is harmful to all of society.\u00a0 And we are alarmed by its recent resurgence in the United States.\u00a0 In the United States the culture of racism, white privilege, and white supremacy controls the thoughts and actions of Anglos as well as people of color. It is a form of bondage for people of color and Anglo persons alike. Racism is so insidious that often those who are in bondage to it are not even aware of their chains. It is a persistent sin and evil that infects all it touches.\u00a0 We are grieved that a culture of racism is institutionalized even in our beloved denomination.<\/p>\n As disciples of Jesus Christ we, the Ebony Bishops serving the United Methodist Church (UMC), take seriously our charge to continue the work of our Lord and Savior of setting the captives free.\u00a0 Thus, we pledge to continue the work ofexposing and dismantling racism in whatever forms and wherever it presents itself. We pledge to hold United Methodists, particularly those in the United States, accountable to engage in education around white supremacy, white privilege, and internalized racism.\u00a0 We recognize that until our Anglo brothers and sisters are free of their racism and acknowledge their White privilege none of us will be free.<\/p>\n In conclusion, as the community of Ebony Bishops in the United Methodist Church, we reaffirm our commitment to our baptismal covenant to renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of our sin.\u00a0 We accept the freedom and power God gives us to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves. We do confess Jesus Christ as our Savior. We put our whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as ourLord,in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n
\n<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>because he has anointed me
\n<\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0to bring good news to the poor.
\n<\/em>He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
\n<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>and recovery of sight to the blind,
\n<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 to let the oppressed go free.\u201d<\/em>(Luke 4:18 NRSV)<\/p>\n