75 Christian leaders have signed a statement released by the Christian group Circle of Protection, which represents prominent churches and national-level Christian organizations, aimed toward the White House and the United States Legislature demanding more needs to be done to combat racism and poverty.
Circle of Protection argued that God is calling Christians to step up after a failure of substantial police reforms and as people of color continue to suffer higher rates of violence.
Racism is Getting Worse
In their statement signed by prominent Christian leaders, Circle of Protection asserts that racism is becoming an increased issue, compounded by a “history and legacy of racism.”
“Issues related to racism are now being fiercely debated across the country and many people of color are fearful that racism is getting worse,” the statement said.
Ending Affirmative Action
One of the pieces of evidence cited by the statement to support their argument is the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action in higher education.
This has resulted in what Circle of Protection claims is a trend of many businesses “reducing their efforts to promote racial equity in the workplace.”
Voting Rights Restrictions
Circle of Protection argues that fourteen states passed voting restriction legislation in 2023, which will stop minority groups from having their voices heard in American democracy.
The statement claims that moves to restrict voting in upcoming elections are being done as a partisan way to interfere in the Democratic process.
Increase in Poverty
In addition to an increase in racism, Circle of Protection also says that poverty has recently gotten worse for minorities.
“Racial and ethnic minorities suffer a disproportionate share of the nation’s poverty because of past and present discrimination, and poverty among all racial and ethnic groups (as measured by the Census Bureau’s best measure) has surged since the end of 2021,” said the statement.
Hope For Low-Income Kids
Rev David Beckmann called upon Congress to finish passing a bill that would expand the child tax credit for American parents.
“It just is a miracle that the House has passed this thing, and it’s very close to passing the Senate,” said Rev. David Beckmann, coordinator of Circle of Protection. “It would reach 16 million low-income kids.”
Racism Resurgence
Beckmann placed the blame for the current issues minority groups are struggling with on a resurgence of racism that started under Donald Trump
“During the Trump administration, there was a sense that racism was resurging and that poverty was declining,” Beckmann said. “Now, this is years later, and racism, by various indicators, is getting worse. And poverty is up from 2021.”
Time to Act
Rev. Barbara Williams-Skinner, co-convener of the National African American Clergy Network, believes that now is the time for Christians of all colors and political stripes to act with their conscience.
“There’s a time, between a problem and total chaos, that people have to act,” said Williams-Skinner. “We believe that silence is consent. And that it is important for white Americans — and the circle is made largely of white American churches of different backgrounds, from right to left leaning — to speak out,” Williams-Skinner said.
Caring For Our Neighbors
Williams-Skinner wishes to challenge Christians to live their principles and look out for their neighbors as believers are commanded in the scriptures.
“Are we meeting at least a minimum level of reflecting the core values of our faith of caring for our neighbor, of building bridges across every divide, of looking out for the vulnerable?” Williams-Skinner asked. “If we’re not doing that, then we should stop calling ourselves Christians.”
Addressing Congress and The President
In the two-page statement by Circle of Protection, one section was addressed “to the President and Members of Congress”
“We pray for all those in authority (I Timothy 2:1-2), Conservative and liberal people may disagree on how to live up to our nation’s ideals, but our loving God calls all of us to work together for liberty and justice for everyone,” the statement said.
Call for Unity and Bipartisanship
Circle of Protection expressed hope that Congress can act together despite political differences to effect change that will improve the lives of minorities.
“We look forward to a time when Congress can take bipartisan action on voting rights, gun violence, and discrimination against racial, ethnic, and religious minorities. Even now, we look to political leaders from both parties to speak out on these issues,” said the statement.
Poverty is a Leading Cause of Death in America
Circle of Protection cites research from the Journal of the American Medical Association that shows poverty is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
The report finds that 300,000 people die from sustained poverty each year and that data shows even a person undergoing a short stint of poverty can have adverse effects on someone’s health.
