With the recent firestorms surrounding Ferguson, Eric Garner, and now Walter Scott, we’re reminded of one thing that we should have never forgotten: racial reconciliation is still a core, under-addressed issue in America. The 2015 ERLC Leadership Summit was timely and important for individuals, churches, and denominations in thinking through tough racial issues.
The summit addressed “The Gospel and Racial Reconciliation” with an effort to help Christians apply the gospel on these issues with convictional kindness in their communities, their families, and their churches. Below are some of the best quotes that I noted during sessions or as shared on Twitter via the conference hashtag #ERLCsummit.
“The cross and the Confederate flag cannot co-exist. One will set the other on fire.” Russell Moore
“Racial reconciliation rests upon this basis: you have never seen a mere mortal.” Thabiti Anyabwile
“Once you have been reconciled to God, you have no problem with being reconciled with others.” Fred Luter
“Our lack of unity and oneness is a direct contradiction of our missiological goal: disciples of all nations.” Kevin Smith
“God is not asking blacks to be white or whites to be black, but for both to be biblical.” Tony Evans
“Our goal is not just to get black people and white people in the same room; Jay-Z can do that. We want blacks and whites in the same family.” Trip Lee
“Racial reconciliation isn’t just a good idea because it’s politically correct. The message of the gospel is at stake.” Afshin Ziafat
“Racial indiscrimination should be driven by an indiscriminate gospel.” Danny Akin
“If anyone tells you to be colorblind, don’t be. Delight in our differences.” Trillia Newbell
“They say blood is thicker than water but not if that water is baptism.” H. B. Charles, Jr.
