Dear Hot Metal Family,

I know that this time has been really hard in a lot of ways. Some have been sick, or have had loved ones sick and suffering. Many have lost their jobs and have had to navigate the muddy waters of unemployment, searching for ways to make sure their families are still cared for. And all of us have had to adjust the rhythm of our daily lives in ways we did not think were possible.

And, as if living during a pandemic was not enough collective grief to deal with, this week brought to light the story of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery in February, and the killing by police of Sean Reed. These two tragedies are brutal reminders that even while the world is dealing with a health crisis, the sins of racism and white supremacy remain strong.

Which means that the Body of Christ does not get to take a quarantine break in its desire and thirst for justice. We don't get to close our mouths in silence simply because we can't go anywhere. We are still called to proclaim that #BlackLivesMatter - we just do it more from the platforms of technology we have adapted to for this time. Now, perhaps more than ever, we who call ourselves disciples of the crucified and risen one must show the world that the ways of death perpetuated by racism and racist systems will not have the last word. God's justice and vision for a world redeemed from it's worst instincts and resurrected into something new will prevail.

I invite you to join me in signing the petition encouraging the Georgia DA and the FBI to take steps to ensure justice and the safety of others: Click here. Or if you, like Ahmaud, are a runner and want to embody your call for justice with your physical actions, sign up to #RunWithMaud as part of a collective (though socially distant) action this weekend: Click here.

If you would like to keep up to date on these stories and the anti-racism work at Hot Metal, feel free to reach out to me, or join the White Ally Toolkit Group on Facebook. We take seriously Dr. King's observation that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," and know that the Gospel compels us to act on behalf of our neighbors, especially those who experience injustice most acutely. We walk with them and with Jesus as we hope for a better future for all of God's beloved.

In Christ,