April 30, 2021

We, as church leaders of CBC, condemn all social injustice including racism of any kind. The recent rise in social injustice, racism and disunity in this country, has caused many to feel isolated, angry, marginalized, hurt, afraid and unsafe. American Baptists have never advocated injustice, and have always stood for peace (shalom) for all people. We at CBC grieve with those feeling the pent-up pain from years of racial discrimination and injustice and we call on people of faith to look to the Holy Spirit to help process and guide our expressions of outrage (Ephesians 4:1-3, 31-32).

CBC is a church community whose building is where it is because of institutional racism. As a church community, we neighbor another church community with members who were sent to Japanese internment camps during World War II, and as a church community we have neighbors who daily face the direct reality of racism. In addition, many Asian-Americans today are being targeted, harassed and physically attacked because of misinformation about COVID-19. We realize the roots of racism and xenophobia are deep and cannot be righted overnight. We need to say something.

We believe that social injustice is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that God is just and calls His people to act justly and that all people are created in His image and likeness (sanctity of all human life, Genesis 1:26-27). In these tense times of pain, agony, and stinging memories of bias and wrongdoing, we are called again to deal with racism and resist violence.

Because of this, we strongly encourage our church members to join us in making the following commitments.

1. Repent before God and one another of the sin of prejudice we have against other human beings, of our silence in the face of racial injustice, and of our unwillingness to talk about the issues in a kind and respectful way.

2. Pray for those who suffer under the burden of injustice, for a justice system and government that will condemn the guilty and uphold the innocent, for our nation to be healed of its divisions and for all to come to faith in Christ.

3. Learn what God’s Word says about human dignity and love of neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40), what is happening in our culture by keeping up to date on current issues and by committing to read as much as possible on the issues so we can engage in honest and open dialogue with others.

4. Act by following a Christ-like example in a way that our conscience allows (as directed by the Holy Spirit) so we can publicly address the issues and seek to bring justice in our own relationships and community (following the mandate in Micah 6:8).

Community Baptist Church of San Mateo is called by Jesus Christ to "love our neighbors as ourselves." We proclaim our commitment to advocate for a more just, loving, and peaceful world where the gifts of all races and people are appreciated, and the lives of all ethnicities are treasured. We are committed to leading in a way that respects the diversity of our community and provides further opportunities for racial and social reconciliation.

If you are having trouble processing all that is going on and need to talk with someone or if you are in need of prayer and spiritual counsel regarding these issues, please feel free to contact one of the pastors. They are here to help guide you through this challenging time.