The elders of Bethlehem Baptist Church have a joint statement to release in response to the tragic events of the last few days, namely, the death of George Floyd on Monday, May 25. Our city is convulsing with grief and anger and pain. We do not trust that a statement by itself is sufficient, but we have witnessed the cost and complicity of silence, and not saying something would be saying something. We cannot be silent.

We are heartbroken by the horrible killing of George Floyd. Bethlehem Baptist Church believes in the sacred value of his life and all human life from conception to the coffin. Our God-given sense of justice was violated in watching the video of his death. We mourn this senseless loss of life, we pray for justice, and we confess that something needs to change. We are committed to be part of that change as we partner with other local churches in gospel ministry. We call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, help, and healing for our city.

We know that Bethlehem Baptist Church cannot do all that must be done, but we can do our part in partnership with other local churches. We must be in this for the long haul. We do not want to react and then move on to something else. We are praying that this partnership would start a movement of gospel ministry that will last long after the hashtags and the protests.

Lamenting with you,

Pastor Jason Meyer
with Lead Pastors Steven Lee, Dave Zuleger, and Ken Currie
and the Bethlehem Council of Elders