We live in troubling and uncertain times. Tensions are rising around the world and have boiled over into alarming levels of hatred and division, including here in Canada. One of the communities that has become a target of intense hate and anger over the past year is the Asian community. I was shocked to read in a report released by the Vancouver Police Department that anti-Asian hate crimes increased by 717% from 2019 to 2020. This is very alarming.
The Alliance Canada stands against racism in all its forms and stands with Asian persons everywhere by condemning hatred and violence directed towards them. This must end. God speaks very clearly about Christians’ responsibility to “do good, seek justice and correct oppression…” (Isaiah 1:17). We are exhorted to “Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy” (Proverbs 31:9). I am emphatically speaking out against the injustice and the oppression directed against the Asian community.
The Alliance Canada consists of many strong Asian leaders and churches. This is our history, and our identity. I encourage you to reach out to friends and colleagues to pray together, to encourage each other, and to create a safe place for all to share their concerns and fears. I also urge us to speak up and increase the volume of those in the Asian community who are speaking out against these abuses. And I would challenge us to examine our attitudes and prejudices, not only towards the Asian community, but to all people of all ethnicities. Please join me in looking for significant ways for the church to “act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8).
Come, Lord Jesus.
Rev. Dr. David Hearn
President
The Alliance Canada