Urgent Message Regarding the Recent Hate Crimes Against People of Asian Descent
"Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all." (Romans 12:17)
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)
On behalf of NCKPC(National Caucus of Korean Presbyterian Church), I present an urgent message about hate crimes against people of Asian descent. The March 16 shootings committed by Robert Aaron Long in Atlanta-Area were horrible crimes that killed eight precious lives. Among the eight lost victims, six were Asian women including four people of Korean descent. It made us more shocked to learn that the shooter was active in his Christian congregation and that he is a son of a former Christian minister.
During the pandemic for the past year, nearly 3,800 hate incidents against AAPI have been documented.
That is an average of 11 hate crimes per day which involved cursing, name-calling, spitting, beating, and killing.
In efforts to eradicate these horrible hate crimes, I ask NCKPC congregations in PCUSA to join in the following faith movement during Lent.
1. Let us repent that the church has failed to transform congregations such as Robert Long.
2. Let us pray for the healing from hatred and violence through forgiveness and love of the cross.
3. Let us pray for the healing and restoration of all American families, churches and societies.
4. Let us pray for the eradication of divisiveness, racism, violence, and murder in America and across the world.
5. Let us pray and support for the victims of Atlanta-Area hate crimes and for all who have experienced any kind of hate crime and discrimination.
Shalom,
Rev. Byeong-Ho Choi, Moderator of NCKPC
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