On Monday in Minneapolis, a heinous and evil act was committed against George Floyd, resulting in his death. Since then and over the weekend, the impact of this has been felt across our state and nation. Anchor Point will not turn a blind eye to this; indeed we cannot; the Church cannot. What happened to George Floyd was wicked. It was evil. What happened to George Floyd was demonic in nature. From a spiritual perspective, this is not an overstatement.

Murder is evil. Such action is a direct assault and offense against a holy God who created all people in his very image. It is also a direct assault and offense against all people who have been created in God’s image.  For this reason, Anchor Point opposes it and all forms of racism, violence and injustice.

Although Anchor Point is in Duluth and not Minneapolis, we believe this does not allow us to deafen our ears nor turn a blind eye to what happened. We are reminded that racism and oppression are still issues we must address. Injustice, racism and oppression are real. It's evil. We cannot begin to fathom and do not pretend to understand the pain and anger, the fear and grief, the hurt and loss that George Floyd’s family and friends are having to endure.  

As a church, let it be known that we are not called to only pray. We are also called to respond; respond to all injustice, racism, and violence with both godly awareness and as being first responders in the defense of the defenseless. We are called to the ministry of reconciliation, both to God and man to man (2 Cor. 5:18; Eph. 2:11-22). This is to be accomplished by taking action when we see such injustices, and doing so in lawful and loving ways. To do less is not what the Lord would have for us. 

We are called, not just now but continually, to prayerfully consider how we will dialog with our families and friends about what happened, how we might bear one another’s burdens, care and support our brothers and sisters of color, and how you might act to honorably call for change. We need to commit to doing our very best in these things in the desperate hope that will produce the discomfort of conviction by the Spirit and Godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Come Lord Jesus, Come!

Sincerely,
Pastor Josh & Anchor Point Leadership