Church group denounces 'division and hatred'

Editor:

Montana is again experiencing a growth in groups that claim racial, ethnic or religious superiority, and demonize those whom they consider inferior to themselves.

The members of the Montana Association of Churches stand against the theology and politics of division and hatred. We affirm that all people are created in God's image.

We repudiate any teachings that place one race above the others, one set of people above the others. It simply does not fit with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As citizens we honor others' right to practice their own beliefs, however much we might disagree with them.

But as Christians we stand firm in repudiating any teachings that dehumanize any of God's children, regardless of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, ability or any other criteria. In light of the growth of hate groups in our state, we encourage congregations and leaders to speak out, both within the religious community and in the public sphere, modeling the barrier-breaking love of Jesus Christ for all humanity.

"There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

Pam Shelden

Administrator, Montana

Association of Churches