APC Statement Regarding George Floyd and Racial Injustice in America
Dear APC Colleagues,
The Association of Professional Chaplains, along with professional chaplains around the world, are brokenhearted and angered by the racism and injustice that caused the senseless death of George Floyd by law enforcement officers in Minnesota. And we are inconsolable that this has occurred so closely to the recent killings of African-Americans Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery as well as remembering other countless persons like them; all because of the beauty of their birthright—the color of their skin. We express deep condolences to the family of George Floyd and to all the families who have lost loved ones because of hatred and violence. We also reach out to our beautifully diverse membership who are hurting at this time because the reality of racism is painful for us too.
James Baldwin said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” As we lead and serve, may we face the reality that evil and injustice are alive and deeply rooted in every aspect of society. May we reflect on hatred’s influences on us and our impact on the various forms of systemic racism to neither be complicit silently nor sustain its procreation or continuation. Pain, brokenness and sadly death are all around us from humanity’s inhumanity to each other. As professional chaplains, we are committed to ending racism, discrimination and all forces that disrespect our common humanity. We will call on all that is Holy within us to empower us as leaders and healers. Everywhere we see injustice and violence, let us be brave to confront and expose it while also fostering a brave space where we can face the pain and wounds experienced by tragedy. Let us lead in non-violent responses to change our culture toward healing and wholeness! An example of this brave space is powerfully written by Micky ScottBey Jones in An Invitation to Brave Space:
Together we will create brave space.
Because there is no such thing as “safe space” –
We exist in the real world.
We all carry scars and we have all caused wound.
In this space
We seek to turn down the volume of the outside world.
We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere,
We call each other to more truth and love.
We have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow.
We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know.
We will not be perfect.
This space will not be perfect.
It will not always be what we wish it to be.
But
It will be our brave space together,
and
We will work on it side by side.
APC provides a forum for this brave space for our members through our professional community support groups and moving forward we will work to encourage strong respectful dignified relationships and address these issues through education, training and professional discourse.
Blessings,
Chaplain Joseph Perez MDiv BCC
President
Association of Professional Chaplains
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