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A Call to Decency


The COB Newsline article on the recent Mission and Ministry Board Meeting reported that a leader from the Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF) likened BMC to a white supremacy group. As an organization, BMC has very intentionally refrained from public comments about the BRF. There are many reasons for this, but foremost is a genuine belief that such tactics only enhance division and foster an atmosphere that is demeaning to all of us. However, this latest charge from the BRF demands a response.

White supremacy is the belief that white people and white culture are superior to all others and should therefore dominate society. It is intricately woven into the very fabric of our nation, including our church. As America’s original sin, its stain has affected all of us. White supremacy groups propagate this ideology, often using tactics of intimidation, fear, threats, and violence to express their feelings of resentment and entitlement. They target vulnerable minority groups including, but not limited to, people of color, Jews, lgbt people, adherents to minority religions, and immigrants. Theirs is a message of exclusion, fear, and rejection.

To liken BMC to a white supremacy group is ill-informed and ruthlessly inflammatory. It functions to divide and disrupt rather than unite and heal. It perpetrates sentiments of hate, anxiety, and exclusion, falsely pitting people against one another. That no one from the Mission and Ministry Board challenged this false analogy is deeply, deeply troubling.

BMC’s mission involves advocating for justice on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, whether they live in a supportive congregation or one that rejects God’s unique gifts of gender and sexuality. As a community shaped by Brethren values and the example of Jesus, we have worked to understand and support the struggles and needs of other marginalized groups. We are deeply aware of our indebtedness to movements of liberation that preceded us, as well as our responsibility towards the ongoing work of cultivating a just and kind world for all people. We do not always get it right, but our commitment is unwavering. We invite you to join us as we seek a path that respects the dignity of all persons, rejects malicious attacks, and remains committed to our mutual wellbeing.

Carol Wise

Executive Director


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