Asian American Christians for Black Lives and Dignity: Pray, March, Commit

AACC Commitments

Because we recognize that this MARCH is not an end but one of many steps, we prayerfully COMMIT ourselves to the following actions: 

1. LEARNING AND UNLEARNING

We commit to learning from Black authors, scholars, artists, and communities. Specifically, we commit to a) learning from their reflections on race and racism, b) understanding and repenting of our own anti-black racism, naming and addressing it from within our families and ethnic communities, and working to decenter whiteness in our theology, spirituality, and ministry; and c) growing in appreciation of the ways our Asian American and and African American histories overlap. Sarah Akutagawa has authored and shared this list of “Resources for Christians Responding to Racial Injustice,” so that readers can begin from a wide range of starting points. (Note: Please do not reproduce or share this list without her permission.)

2. LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS

We commit to actively pursuing healthy, long-term, local partnerships with Black churches and ministries and Black-led organizations where we live, parent, work, study, worship, and spend our money. This requires continued learning from and submission to Black leaders in our contexts without commodifying them or placing undue burden on them to educate or care for us. Thus, we also commit to partnering whenever possible with Latino and indigenous communities— as well as Asian American organizations beyond our churches— who have proven themselves to be good long-term partners with our own Black neighbors.

3. SEEKING JUSTICE TOGETHER

We commit, as Asian American Christians in and near Chicago, to seeking justice with and for our Black neighbors. We commit not only to unity, but to mutual solidarity. Therefore, we embrace as priorities the “Five Pillars” announced by the Faith in Justice and Peace Movement led by Pastor Chris Harris of Bright Star Church and several other Chicago faith leaders: a) systemic racism, b) economic and community development, c) housing, d) health (mental and physical), and e) legislation. We also commit to lifting up the voices and concerns of our Black sisters and brothers within our churches, networks, and denominations. We seek justice as part of our witness to God’s Kingdom, Jesus’ lordship, and the Spirit’s power.