Update, Saturday, February 13, 2021

Family,

In the wake of the violent attacks on several residents of Oakland’s Chinatown I was asked to draft the following statement for the Interfaith Council of Alameda County.

The Interfaith Council of Alameda County decries the recent violent attacks on several older members of the Chinese community. We are grateful that these attacks are receiving signicant attention and that a suspect has been arrested. These attacks show that we need to do a better job of ensuring the safety of all, particularly our most vulnerable community members. They show that we need to do a better job of combating racism. They show that we need to do a better job of of teaching our children and providing them with positive alternatives to violent behavior. We call on the faith communities of our county to lead the way in pursuit of these essential goals.

I pray that the many efforts being discussed (some already being implemented) to address the safety concerns of the Asian community will have both an immediate, especially as the Lunar New Year is being celebrated, and lasting impact.

I trust that you will be able to join us tomorrow for Second Sunday of African American History Month worship, Bible Study and/or the Forum on the Covid-19 Vaccine with Dr. Jocelyn Freeman Garrick of the Alameda County Public Health Department.

Pastor Carolyn will lead A Time For Prayer this morning at 10:00

Peace,
Pastor Jim