Racial Justice

The Thurmont Ministerium is committed to the cause of racial justice in our society. This is part of our call as people of faith–to promote the dignity of every human being because we believe every person is created in the image of God.

Here are some resources you can use to learn more about the problem of racism and the steps we can take to seek racial justice in our community and in our world.

Thurmont Ministerium Statement of Solidarity and Commitment, July 1, 2020:

The Thurmont Ministerium* has prepared this Statement of Solidarity and Commitment in support of all those working for justice and an end to systemic racism, discrimination, and oppression in our nation. We affirm that Black lives matter, and we commit ourselves to working for racial justice and healing. Our faith teaches that God has created all people in God’s image, all are loved equally by God, and all are made to live in beloved community and to enjoy abundant life. 

We are deeply grieved at the recent deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and the egregious list of people of color who have suffered and died because of the devastating and traumatic effects of centuries of judging people on the basis of the color of their skin. 

Racism is the legacy of 400 years of slavery that “did not end but evolved.” [Bryan Stevenson, Equal Justice Initiative] It continues today to sustain the myth of the supremacy of white people and was woven into the fabric of our society for that purpose. Racism resides in all our systems including housing, health care, education, employment, income and wealth, criminal justice, political, and governmental, disadvantaging those who are black and giving advantage to those who are white. Dismantling and ending systemic racism against Black people will raise up everyone who has suffered from those unjust systems.

We acknowledge with remorse our nation’s history of slavery, racism, and violence against native peoples and people of color; our community’s history and denial of racism; and, our complicity in the perpetuation of racism. We acknowledge with gratitude those efforts in the past and present that have sought to address racism and to uphold the values of love, justice, equality, equity, and the gift of diversity.   

We state unequivocally that Black lives matter equally and commit ourselves to dismantling and ending systemic racism, righting wrongs, and healing wounds, and doing our part to rebuild our society with systems that are just and equitable for all. We pray to be worthy of this Statement and invite you to join us and hold us accountable. 

Rev. Wayne Blazer                 Rev. Robert E. Kells, Jr.         Rev. Marilyn Rondeau
Creagerstown, MD                 Thurmont, MD                        Eldersburg, MD

Rev. Sean Delawder               Rev. Sue Koenig
Frederick, MD                        Graceham, MD

Rev. Ken Fizer                        Rev. Laura Robeson
Thurmont, MD                        Thurmont, MD

*The Thurmont Ministerium is an inter-faith group of congregations and community organizations striving to enhance and enrich the life of the community by addressing physical and spiritual needs, and by working toward a more just and compassionate society. Visit us online at theministerium.org.

Resources on racial equity are available from Everyday Democracy, Ideas and Tools for Community Change. See their resource page here.

The Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church has an excellent page dedicated to racial justice with links to other organizations. The Overview & Learning page is particularly helpful. Access the racial justice page here.