SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES

Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles

Official Statement on Social Injustice, Protests and Other Recent Events

June 3, 2020

 

Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles (SBCLA) recognizes the recent troubles within the greater Los Angeles community, the state of California and the United States.  The social unrest in our communities saddens our hearts.  People are losing their lives; marching in the streets; and demanding social justice while experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our church, that stands on the corner of Griffith Avenue and 24th St, has witnessed and participated in racial and social activism in our past. Today, we must stand together and address the racism, discrimination, brutality, crime and other social upheavals. We must sow seeds of friendship, empathy, healing and faith through prayer as we seek God’s help and guidance.

 
We are a praying church that leans on our faith in God. As a congregation of believers, we are praying for the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbrey, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, and countless others, including slain officers and innocent bystanders.  As a people, let us look beyond race, gender, color, religion, and any other prejudices that separates us.  We need to unite as brothers and sisters in Christ. We must sit down and discuss our differences in a rational and logical manner. We do not seek “eye for eye” vengeance and hatred.  We seek justice, equality, and opportunity for all people, creating positive social change. The United States was founded on such principles and forms of protests.

 

We must follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.  Our Lord and Savior protested the social injustices that occurred during his time on earth. He was a disrupter, who changed the world and was crucified based on phony charges. We follow Jesus Christ and His teachings. What does the Lord require of us, “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.” – Micah 6:8 (NIV). We must learn how to live together again. We are off to a good start when we see police officers and protestors walk together. There is HOPE for God is working within all of us. A stanza from Sam Walter Foss’ poem describes the church’s stance:

 

Let me live in my house by the side of the road

Where the race of men go by;

They are good, they are bad, they are weak,

They are strong,

Wise, foolish – so am I.

Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat

Or hurl the cynic’s ban? –

Let me live in my house by the side of the road

And be a friend to man.


Our pledge: We are here to help one another, a friend. To pray for: to exhort; and to encourage good works. We must walk together in Christian love. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Phillipians 4:7 (KJV) Amen.

 

– Kerri Sadler, Chairperson – Trustees

– Dr. William Elkins, III, Chairperson – Diaconate

– Dr. William S. Epps, Senior Pastor

​ 2412 Griffith Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011   (213) 400-877    deleby@pacbell.net

Second Baptist Church LA