We, the Board of Kairos West Michigan, support the Black Lives Matter movement as it relates to the globally broader issue of justice for all people of color around the world. Centuries of slavery and racial inequality have resulted in individual and systemic injustice throughout our country and the world. As we continue our efforts to foster just and lasting shalom for the people of Palestine and the people of Israel, for Jew, Arab, Muslim, Christian and atheist alike, we repent of our racism, our past silence, and our former inaction. We commit to going beyond non-racism to anti-racism. We commit to standing with all groups peacefully seeking shalom in race relations.
In light of and in honor of the current Black Lives Matter movement, we are instituting a respectful pause in our programming. We encourage all of our supporters to join the movement for racial justice and equality in our local communities.
Later this summer we will resume our specific emphasis on bringing shalom to the region of Israel-Palestine, including webinars on children in detention, potential annexation, and Covid-19. KWM will also be offering a Peace and Justice Tour of Israel-Palestine, March 6-17, 2021.
George Hunsberger
John Kleinheksel
Sharon Kleinheksel
Nikki Rakestraw
Pat Vorpagel
Bart Den Boer, Executive Director
Nate Schipper, President
