Reconciliation – Not A Suggestion

Today is orange shirt day. I was wearing my orange shirt, and overheard someone say, “orange is not your color.” What is my color? White! I cannot help that I was born white, and for that I do not apologize. But I do have a choice regarding the way I see people and for that I apologize and seek to change.

The problem with racism is that many people don’t know they are racists. I used to pride myself in being open minded, non-prejudiced towards all people, and accepting of every culture. I love experiencing different cultures and have had the privilege of working and visiting on five continents of the world. Anyone accusing me of being a racist and I would say “never”. That is, until God opened my eyes.

Many years ago, I was working in a mobile home factory, and they hired an indigenous man to work along side of me. Shortly thereafter, he moved next door to me in my housing complex. Soon he started coming to my church and even joined the adult Sunday School class that I was teaching. It seemed everywhere I turned, here was this indigenous man. And I began to see things in me I didn’t like. Get that, it wasn’t him, it was me. Systemic racism is so deceitful; because it is a part of our culture, our ethos, our way of life. And when confronted with it, we have a choice to be agents of reconciliation or build our walls higher to keep out the color we don’t like.

As I write this, much will be said and written on this Canadian Holiday called National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Truth and Reconciliation needs to be celebrated, honored, fought for, upheld, and implemented. What happened in Canada with our indigenous peoples is appalling and atrocious. But it is not unique. Indigenousness peoples have been annihilated, subjugated, and ignored by conquering nations since time immoral. However, the institution of the Church should never be implicit, passive or willing participants in this degradation of humanity. The Church should be the very opposite. God has given to the Church the “ministry of reconciliation”.(2 Corinthians 5:18) The Church must repent of systemic racism, ask for forgiveness, and allow truth of God’s love to seep into the very depth of its soul. Then and only then, can the Church be true reconcilers of men and women to each other and to God. This Sunday, we will be continuing our Impact series and taking a look at the early Church messaging to the world at that time. Interestingly, you will find the message all about reconciliation, fighting prejudice, and being one with God and each other, without barriers or discrimination.

Looking forward to seeing you in person or online.

Sunday Celebration

We are meeting personally at the church Sundays at 10:30am. Moving forward and until further notice: We are asking everyone to wear masks practice  physical distancing and hand sanitizing. We are so glad that we are gathering again, your presence is so important. The usual online options (Facebook and KCF.Online.Church) will also be available.

Pastor Jim Reimer

September 30, 2021