The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) mourns with the Black community and grieves the loss of innocent lives in Buffalo, New York. This heinous crime was committed by a white man who intentionally targeted Black shoppers at a grocery store. No race or ethnicity is greater or more valuable than another. We reject white supremacy, call for justice for victims and their families, and exhort churches to combat attitudes and systems that perpetuate racism.

We also lament the violent attacks this past week in California, Dallas, Milwaukee and Philadelphia. Every person is created in the image of God and has inestimable worth (Genesis 1:27). We join with families and communities in mourning the lives that were lost. We know that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Racism, political hatred and cultural superiority are breeding grounds for the enemy to divide the Body of Christ and weaken her testimony. As such, faith leaders must stand against and denounce evil, so there is no ambiguity to the light God’s people are called to represent. Evangelicals believe that the good news of Jesus Christ has the power to break down racial, ethnic and political barriers (Ephesians 2:14–18). Our communities of faith must pursue sustained efforts in this labor of love and justice.

For more resources on racial justice and reconciliation, visit NAE.org/racialjustice.