The emphasis that the SDA Church has placed on claims of ‘truth’ at the expense of love is why it has been so negligent in addressing racial injustice. A church that loves would be quick to speak out on issues that hurt its community. A church that loves would open its doors and share its resources willingly with those in need, even at its own expense and hurt. A church that loves stands in the gap for those that are unloved.

The cruel, brutal and unacceptable death of George Floyd on 25 May has served as the springboard for the ‘Black Lives Matter’ response and reaction by countless thousands around the world. Although we are rightly proud of our own multi-ethnic and multi-cultural Newbold community, this gives us all pause for reflection.

My point is, national ignorance has masterfully shaped our nation’s education and commodified it as ‘knowledge’. Such wrongful but intentional ignorance feeds racism and is happily but uncritically coopted by many. And this complicity, unwitting or not, is an abomination! Why can’t we teach the whole truth? It’s the truth, in Jesus’s words, that will set us free.

Most people I talk with know that I’m a pastor and they don’t use racist language around me. Occasionally, when talking to neighbours, I may hear a racist insinuation. They are learning that I will try to tactfully challenge these attitudes. Being Jesus’ salt in the world means I have to pray for courage to speak out, even if others do not like it.

God’s people should be at the forefront of challenging societal inequities that disproportionately affect those who have been victimized by western colonial systems of oppression and exploitation. As we do this, Sister White challenges us to assess our own commitment to social justice.

The attitude and comments of some individuals demonstrate their racist, ignorant and prejudiced views. Where does one turn when they are victims of racism and prejudice? Is there any recourse for those who have been discriminated against because of their race or ethnicity?

Although Zelophehad’s daughters knew this, they decided to speak up anyway. With the exception of Miriam, no woman had ever done anything like this before. This was totally unprecedented.