Statement from Revs. Campbell and Hayward

We write today to affirm wholeheartedly the dignity of Somali Minnesotans. Many of our church members have lived beside Somali people for decades. They are our friends, doctors, nurses, teachers, our partners in organizing for justice, and our representatives in state and federal legislatures. They inspire us with their art, their food, their joy, their faith, and their incredible resilience. They are woven into the fabric of Minneapolis, thoroughly and beautifully, and our city is better because of their presence.

We condemn language that dehumanizes them or any other person or group. We state unequivocally: no person is garbage. All people – all life — are created in the likeness of God and deserve dignity and safety. Somali Minnesotans are our kin, as are our Dakota, Karen, Scandinavian, Hmong, Latinx, Ojibwe, and African American neighbors, and those of all backgrounds who comprise our beautifully diverse city.

In this liturgical season of Advent, we affirm our commitment to the path of Jesus. We recall that Jesus was himself a refugee forced to flee because of the violent policies of King Herod as a child. As an adult, Jesus suffered under imperial and terroristic occupation of the land in which he lived. Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors whatever their background, to decry violent policies that cause harm, and to protect and care for one another, particularly the most vulnerable, with our prayers and actions. We will do so.

May the God of mercy and justice melt the hearts of those who seek to divide us and who sow fear in our city.