As followers of Jesus Christ, who loves all and calls us to challenge the unjust structures of church and society, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church is called to work for justice and peace for all God’s people. We stand against racism in all its myriad forms toward Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). We acknowledge that the institutional policies of colonization, seizure of indigenous lands, enslavement, and life-ending discrimination are contrary to God’s creation of all people as equals and have resulted in a broken covenant. 

Only through our confession, and God’s grace and forgiveness, can reconciliation occur with those who have been historically and who are presently being harmed. We confess our complicity, both through our actions and our silence, in perpetuating these prejudices and practices. Therefore, we repent. In humble gratefulness we acknowledge that St. Andrew is located on the homelands of multiple native nations (including Kiikaapoi, Iowa, Ochethi Sakowin [Sioux], Sauk and Meskwaki).

In order to restore the broken covenant, we commit ourselves to turn away from racism and toward inclusion and justice. In our belief that God loves all people, we will honor diversity as a virtue in which God delights. In our conviction that God desires justice, we will learn from others to broaden our understanding of equality. In our humility as sinful people, we will listen openly to diverse voices regarding how racism functions in our society. In our gratitude for God’s grace, we will turn again and again towards the vision of The Beloved Community found in the Word of God. 

In our joyous response to God’s love, we, as a community of faith, will love one another and be a safe haven for all.

Approved by St. Andrew's Session | October 21, 2021