One year ago this week, the scourge of COVID-19 upended our academic, professional, and personal lives. We look to the coming months with hope that we will once again be physically present with one another – an occasion that will bring much relief, joy, and cause for praise.
Even so, we must acknowledge the very real suffering, sadness, and loss experienced by many in our community and all people the world over. For those who are in pain, our prayers are strong.
Sadly, at such a critical time when humanity must work together to heal, division remains unabated.
The enormity of COVID-19 surpasses that of a healthcare issue. Throughout this pandemic season, we see – and some of us experience first-hand – racist-driven systems of oppression, violence, and small-minded attitudes against Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, Asian/Asian American, Pacific Island communities, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Systems of oppression exist to silo these communities and persons and limit/restrict access to much needed and deserved resources. This is ugly and unnecessary in the midst of an illness that is not beholden to any one group of people.
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary emphatically stands with the people and communities who are marginalized and dehumanized. In this viral moment, we denounce the hatred and violence that has risen once again against our Asian and Asian American siblings.
Love, equity, justice, inclusion, and amplification of our respective identities, voices, and experiences must thrive. As ministers, therapists, educators, and community leaders, we commit to the healing and health of all of God’s people. No one should stand alone. No one should be silenced. All are of one body.
Though we look to our future with hope, may we remind ourselves and one another that there is still much work to do.
