A SPC Credo Project
From Rev. Joyce Shin: I invite you as members of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church to join me in developing A SPC Credo: Our Resolve Against Racism. I invite you to confess what you believe and resolve to do to eradicate racism with your whole heart, your whole mind, your whole soul. This credo is neither prescriptive nor proscriptive. It is voluntary and to be inspired by the Spirit. It is to be a living credo, written on our hearts, not etched in stone. While it is to be authentic, it is not the whole truth of what we must believe and resolve to do. Take your time, pray about this, ask the Spirit to convict you.
Click here to read more from Joyce’s June 4, 2020 letter to the congregation
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Dear Members of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church,
There are times when we have to dig deep into ourselves and ask what it is we believe. Such times arise when we know that we cannot make moral progress without honest examination of our past and present, when the pain of inaction is greater than the pain of action, when we recognize that, if we maintain the status quo, we risk losing our souls.
The sin of racism and white supremacy is deeply embedded in our peoplehood. From the beginning racism has been present in our nation, in our laws, in our schools, in our places of work, in our homes, and in our churches. As a people of God, this is unacceptable, because racism and white supremacy are incompatible with the gospel.
In our history, at such times when the Spirit made known to the consciences of the faithful that the church could no longer be church without confessing anew what it is we believe, the church gave voice to its creeds and confessions, including The Theological Declaration of Barmen, The Confession of 1967, The Confession of Belhar, and A Brief Statement of Faith. As our denominational constitution states, “In these statements the church declares to its members and to the world who and what it is, what it believes, and what it resolves to do” (The Book of Confessions, F-2.01).
Steeped in this rich confessional tradition, Swarthmore Presbyterian Church has been shaped, generation to generation, by the Spirit’s reforming power. As your Pastor, I have seen your commitment to loving God and loving neighbor. How you spend the time, talent, and treasure of the church reflects this commitment. I believe, however, that we, as disciples of Christ, can do more to love with our whole hearts, whole minds, and whole souls in the whole of our lives. I believe we can do more to eradicate racism from every aspect of our lives.
I invite you, as members of this body of Christ, to say what you believe and what you resolve to do to eradicate racism. Some of you raise children; some of you have the gift of bridge-building; some of you are healers; some of you sit on boards of directors; some of you are students; some of you make decisions about hiring and management; some of you are volunteers; some of you are teachers and counselors; some of you lead institutions; some of you lead community organizations; some of you are grandparents; some of you work in law enforcement; some of you are admissions officers; some of you make decisions about public institutions; some of you work for corporations; and some of you are tutors, bus drivers, mentors. In each of our roles and spheres of care, as well as with the church collectively, we can do more to eradicate racism and dismantle white supremacy. The Spirit of God will give us clarity and courage.
Over the next few weeks, I invite you as members of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church to join me in developing a SPC Credo: Our Resolve Against Racism. I invite you to confess what you believe and resolve to do to eradicate racism with your whole heart, your whole mind, your whole soul. This credo is neither prescriptive nor proscriptive. It is voluntary and to be inspired by the Spirit. It is to be a living credo, written on our hearts, not etched in stone. While it is to be authentic, it is not the whole truth of what we must believe and resolve to do. Take your time, pray about this, ask the Spirit to convict you.
Here are parameters to guide you:
- Express yourself in one to two sentences.
- Begin your statement with “I believe” or “I resolve,” or use both.
- Speak in the first person for yourself and no one else.
- Avoid the word “should.”
- Be selective; express one core conviction.
- Be precise; say what you mean.
- Be concrete about what you resolve to do.
- You do not have to agree with every other “I believe” statement. Your name will be included next to your credo sentence.
The Spirit enables us to lay bare our convictions and to be knit together by them. By the professing of what we believe, let us know ourselves to be the body of Christ, loving, caring, and healing God’s world.
Faithfully,
Pastor
Our Resolve Against Racism
Joyce Shin
I believe that God desires all persons to live fully trusting that the world is good, and I resolve to speak out about the structural racism that hinders a trusting posture in the world.
Sarah Cooper Searight
I believe that all people are beloved in the sight of God; thereby I resolve to live, preach, pray and act to proclaim this sacred truth even and especially when it means confronting mine and others’ myopic behaviors.
Meghan Meloy Ness
I believe that every human being, regardless of race, deserves to be treated by me with dignity and compassion; following Christ’s example, I resolve to radically and counter-culturally practice love for my neighbor, no matter what.
Esther Chung
I believe that God’s image is in every human being and there is no place for racism. I resolve to march on Saturday with the UW medical community and to read Ibram Kendi’s How to be an Antiracist book.
Liz Seymour Serpentine
I believe that people are born good, and I believe that race does not equate to one’s worth. I resolve to speak out about injustices and show compassion and respect to those I encounter whether be a stranger or friend. I resolve to lead through the nurturing lens of love and be an example to others.
Babs James
I believe that racism is a superficial assessment of a person and my life has provided the experience to prove it. My daughter-in-law is Asian; my niece married a Hispanic man; another niece married an African American man and my step daughter married a Jewish man. Everyone is thriving.
Raymond Hopkins
I believe that Jesus’s life and death reveals God to Christians. He proves that all people can be–like Him–vessels of God; and we can manifest God in three parts: parent, lover and listener (head, heart and soul). In response to this belief, I resolve to work ever harder for justice here and throughout the world.
Jim Maule
I believe that God created one human family, each person with a soul reflecting God’s divinity, and that treating people differently because of perceived physical or mental differences violates God’s creation and God’s will. I resolve to listen, think, act, and speak in ways that do justice to God’s creation and love for all people.
Jack Brake
I believe that those who hunger for righteousness in the cause of racial justice will be filled, while those who are merciful in this moment will be shown mercy in heaven. I resolve to speak up when other white people around me, through words and deeds, fail to fully confront the injustices of systemic racism; and to welcome constructive criticism, with a humble and non-defensive spirit, when I fail to fully do so.
George McCarthy
I resolve to ask myself first when considering my vote for a candidate for political office: “Will this person work to resolve racism’s negative impact on communities of color?” Among issues to consider will be availability of quality health care to and eradication of gratuitous violence in communities of color.
Charlie Seymour Jr
I believe that my parents and my God created me through love and have always expected me to share love widely and with everyone I meet. I resolve to help teach my grandchildren the true meaning of loving all of God’s people as I share my love with people of all races, colors, creeds, sexual orientations, and religions.
Jan Semler
I believe that the light and love of God lives within each person and all of creation. I resolve to seek that light and to reflect carefully and honestly on ways in which I can foster a more respectful and inclusive community.
Lauren McKinney
I resolve to check my white privilege with humility and teachability, and to push myself, SPC, and my local community to seek inclusion even when it’s uncomfortable.
Jim Audley
Riding a bus, I spied a bill crinkled in a ball in the seat next to mine. Scooping it up I expected a dollar, but no it was a ten! Wow! What a delightful surprise! When riding through life, I resolve to explore with courage beyond the superficial, to open myself to the truth of those riding with me, who may be disguised by my preconceived notions, by my subconscious bias, suppressed by my fear, perhaps terrorized by my tribal prejudices.
Jane Urban
I believe we are all children of God. I resolve to love all my brothers and sisters.
Ann Foster
I believe that Jesus meant exactly what he said and that there are no qualifiers in “Love your neighbor.” In this complicated world, I resolve to hold these simple but powerful words close and live accordingly.
Ken Wright
I believe that we are all equal in the eyes of God and that diversity makes each of us stronger. Therefore, I will strive through effort, diligence, and with the cooperation of Plush Mills Management and Residents, to encourage people of all colors and races to become residents of Plush Mills Senior Living.
Michael David
I believe that all people are created equal and that historical inequities and painful injustices are now reflected in our nation’s societal structures and are embedded in everyday life. I resolve to recognize and to reform my own biases, to acknowledge the privileges that are associated with race, and to meet, engage and uplift those with less privilege in my work and personal life.
Charlene Chapman
I believe as Peter tells us – “Above all else, love each other deeply” and this includes every one of God’s creations. I resolve, with God’s help, to have the strength to activate my belief in all circumstances and to explain to others (starting with just one) the value of loving deeply without exception.
Jack Chapman
I believe, that even though we all look different, we are all called to treat each other with respect and love. I resolve to start everyday with a grateful heart and strive to treat all as my neighbor.
Barbara Blake
I believe that God is the Light in every human being and that the man-made evil that is institutional racism is all around me and I am a part of it. I will learn how to know my Black brothers and sisters better through Black art, music, books, and culture and by reaching out to become a friend to my FUSE acquaintances.
Mary Reindorp
I believe that we are all deeply beloved children of God, all people of color, whether mahogany, cinnamon or peach. Because we live in a nation where people with lighter skin tones have for generations been privileged and darker ones denigrated, I am becoming ever more aware, through reading and reflection, that I have white privilege. I resolve to use my white privilege to join with others to provide safe and brave places for people to heal, connect, learn and grow. I further resolve, through study, writing and the arts, to create or be part of spaces where people can tell their stories, expressing themselves authentically, share their insights, and build meaningful relationships.
Mary Huissen
I resolve to commit myself to social reform, equity and justice, acknowledging that I have tacitly benefited from racism and unfair labor practices, and knowing that justice will come at a cost to privileges I have enjoyed by virtue of the color of my skin. Specifically, I commit to use my time, talents and dollars in support of voting rights initiatives.
Grant Grissom
I believe that God calls individuals and Christian communities to publicly and with conviction reject white supremacy and systemic racism.
I resolve that I will not be silent but will work with others to oppose systemic racism.
Van Druff Lyn
I believe that Christ came into the world to redeem all of humankind regardless of the color of their skin, their nationality, or their ethnic traditions. We are all precious in His sight and are guaranteed equal status as His children through our faith. I resolve to display Christ’s genuine love for all by respecting everyone and firmly speaking out if I see injustice happening. I was strongly influenced in my youth by Martin Luther King’s speech when he said, he wanted “his children to be judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
Marie Lowry
I believe that God intended for all people to be treated equally, yet our church and society have not done so. I resolve to use my privilege to join the movement and right current and historical injustices.
Jake Smith
I believe that God created all people with rich diversity such as race and gender, equally. I believe that our society as a whole has not treated all people as such. I resolve to use my privilege to raise my voice and to do my part in making it known that all people were made equal, and that all are.
Lindsey Davis
I believe we are all made in God’s image and likeness. Our essence connects us, but man-made polices and materials may divide us. I resolve to fight against that which constrains any person or group of people from their fullest potential.
Midge Salvucci
I believe that questions are the answer. The way forward is with humility, curiosity and better, deeper questions that can take the conversation to new places, places where we can finally keep each other safe.
Charlotte Hall
I believe that racism is a sin against Christ’s second great commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. As a white who has benefitted from systemic racism, I resolve to interrogate my own heart, listen to the voices of African Americans, and act in whatever ways I can to build a just society.
Susan Brake
I believe that God is love. I resolve to be a conduit for God’s love in every interaction I have with others. I intend to look for more ways to help change the schools, businesses, and cities where racism is strongly rooted as well as continue to support the strong leaders who are already creating opportunities for children in cities, like Chester. I want to open my heart to others and will look at my own attitudes and beliefs to see where I can be less judging and more loving.
Tasha Knob
I believe that we all have a divine spark within and I resolve to actively see all in this light and to seek loving, respectful connection with others at this level. I believe Christ was a living example of how to love and reach out to the marginalized and mistreated. I resolve to do better at living into this example, especially now in relation to sinfully created racial distinction, prejudice and injustice.
Jennifer Conway
I trust in the Power of One—One Creator, One Loving Force that animates and holds All as One. I believe in the holiness and radiance of ALL beings, all that exists, all that is True. I trust that God’s Will is being—and will forever be—done. My intention each day is to walk with the Holy Spirit as my Guide in all that I think and do. This posture of “self” standing aside is what awakens and enlivens me to listen with ‘Christ Mind’ in ways present and practical. I know that healing is a journey that can only be shared.
Birgitte Haselgrove
I believe that we are all part of the rich tapestry called humanity. Every day is a chance to broaden it.
Bob McCauley
I believe there is deep rooted systemic racism and social injustice in our society which is contrary to my Christian beliefs. I resolve to act and speak against racism and support social justice for every individual and family.
Kathy Watts
I believe God created us all and we should strive to value what God has created. I resolve to learn about the unjust white supremacy and act to bring it down while discerning God’s plan.
Carol Savery
I believe that though I will never see all my unconscious racial bias and never fully recognize the totality of my white privilege or understand the hurt that I might unconsciously cause, God sees that I am trying and loves me for the attempt. Knowing the love of Jesus, I will strive to call out the pain I do see and work to be an agent of healing wherever I can, knowing that my faith can only strengthen me.
Dave Rowley
I believe in the Declaration of Independence, which states that all persons are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Joyce Shin
I believe that God desires all persons to live fully trusting that the world is good, and I resolve to speak out about the structural racism that hinders a trusting posture in the world.
Sarah Cooper Searight
I believe that all people are beloved in the sight of God; thereby I resolve to live, preach, pray and act to proclaim this sacred truth even and especially when it means confronting mine and others’ myopic behaviors.
Meghan Meloy Ness
I believe that every human being, regardless of race, deserves to be treated by me with dignity and compassion; following Christ’s example, I resolve to radically and counter-culturally practice love for my neighbor, no matter what.
Esther Chung
I believe that God’s image is in every human being and there is no place for racism. I resolve to march on Saturday with the UW medical community and to read Ibram Kendi’s How to be an Antiracist book.
Liz Seymour Serpentine
I believe that people are born good, and I believe that race does not equate to one’s worth. I resolve to speak out about injustices and show compassion and respect to those I encounter whether be a stranger or friend. I resolve to lead through the nurturing lens of love and be an example to others.
Babs James
I believe that racism is a superficial assessment of a person and my life has provided the experience to prove it. My daughter-in-law is Asian; my niece married a Hispanic man; another niece married an African American man and my step daughter married a Jewish man. Everyone is thriving.
Raymond Hopkins
I believe that Jesus’s life and death reveals God to Christians. He proves that all people can be–like Him–vessels of God; and we can manifest God in three parts: parent, lover and listener (head, heart and soul). In response to this belief, I resolve to work ever harder for justice here and throughout the world.
Jim Maule
I believe that God created one human family, each person with a soul reflecting God’s divinity, and that treating people differently because of perceived physical or mental differences violates God’s creation and God’s will. I resolve to listen, think, act, and speak in ways that do justice to God’s creation and love for all people.
Jack Brake
I believe that those who hunger for righteousness in the cause of racial justice will be filled, while those who are merciful in this moment will be shown mercy in heaven. I resolve to speak up when other white people around me, through words and deeds, fail to fully confront the injustices of systemic racism; and to welcome constructive criticism, with a humble and non-defensive spirit, when I fail to fully do so.
George McCarthy
I resolve to ask myself first when considering my vote for a candidate for political office: “Will this person work to resolve racism’s negative impact on communities of color?” Among issues to consider will be availability of quality health care to and eradication of gratuitous violence in communities of color.
Charlie Seymour Jr
I believe that my parents and my God created me through love and have always expected me to share love widely and with everyone I meet. I resolve to help teach my grandchildren the true meaning of loving all of God’s people as I share my love with people of all races, colors, creeds, sexual orientations, and religions.
Jan Semler
I believe that the light and love of God lives within each person and all of creation. I resolve to seek that light and to reflect carefully and honestly on ways in which I can foster a more respectful and inclusive community.
Lauren McKinney
I resolve to check my white privilege with humility and teachability, and to push myself, SPC, and my local community to seek inclusion even when it’s uncomfortable.
Jim Audley
Riding a bus, I spied a bill crinkled in a ball in the seat next to mine. Scooping it up I expected a dollar, but no it was a ten! Wow! What a delightful surprise! When riding through life, I resolve to explore with courage beyond the superficial, to open myself to the truth of those riding with me, who may be disguised by my preconceived notions, by my subconscious bias, suppressed by my fear, perhaps terrorized by my tribal prejudices.
Jane Urban
I believe we are all children of God. I resolve to love all my brothers and sisters.
Ann Foster
I believe that Jesus meant exactly what he said and that there are no qualifiers in “Love your neighbor.” In this complicated world, I resolve to hold these simple but powerful words close and live accordingly.
Ken Wright
I believe that we are all equal in the eyes of God and that diversity makes each of us stronger. Therefore, I will strive through effort, diligence, and with the cooperation of Plush Mills Management and Residents, to encourage people of all colors and races to become residents of Plush Mills Senior Living.
Michael David
I believe that all people are created equal and that historical inequities and painful injustices are now reflected in our nation’s societal structures and are embedded in everyday life. I resolve to recognize and to reform my own biases, to acknowledge the privileges that are associated with race, and to meet, engage and uplift those with less privilege in my work and personal life.
Charlene Chapman
I believe as Peter tells us – “Above all else, love each other deeply” and this includes every one of God’s creations. I resolve, with God’s help, to have the strength to activate my belief in all circumstances and to explain to others (starting with just one) the value of loving deeply without exception.
Jack Chapman
I believe, that even though we all look different, we are all called to treat each other with respect and love. I resolve to start everyday with a grateful heart and strive to treat all as my neighbor.
Barbara Blake
I believe that God is the Light in every human being and that the man-made evil that is institutional racism is all around me and I am a part of it. I will learn how to know my Black brothers and sisters better through Black art, music, books, and culture and by reaching out to become a friend to my FUSE acquaintances.
Mary Reindorp
I believe that we are all deeply beloved children of God, all people of color, whether mahogany, cinnamon or peach. Because we live in a nation where people with lighter skin tones have for generations been privileged and darker ones denigrated, I am becoming ever more aware, through reading and reflection, that I have white privilege. I resolve to use my white privilege to join with others to provide safe and brave places for people to heal, connect, learn and grow. I further resolve, through study, writing and the arts, to create or be part of spaces where people can tell their stories, expressing themselves authentically, share their insights, and build meaningful relationships.
Mary Huissen
I resolve to commit myself to social reform, equity and justice, acknowledging that I have tacitly benefited from racism and unfair labor practices, and knowing that justice will come at a cost to privileges I have enjoyed by virtue of the color of my skin. Specifically, I commit to use my time, talents and dollars in support of voting rights initiatives.
Grant Grissom
I believe that God calls individuals and Christian communities to publicly and with conviction reject white supremacy and systemic racism.
I resolve that I will not be silent but will work with others to oppose systemic racism.
Van Druff Lyn
I believe that Christ came into the world to redeem all of humankind regardless of the color of their skin, their nationality, or their ethnic traditions. We are all precious in His sight and are guaranteed equal status as His children through our faith. I resolve to display Christ’s genuine love for all by respecting everyone and firmly speaking out if I see injustice happening. I was strongly influenced in my youth by Martin Luther King’s speech when he said, he wanted “his children to be judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
Marie Lowry
I believe that God intended for all people to be treated equally, yet our church and society have not done so. I resolve to use my privilege to join the movement and right current and historical injustices.
Jake Smith
I believe that God created all people with rich diversity such as race and gender, equally. I believe that our society as a whole has not treated all people as such. I resolve to use my privilege to raise my voice and to do my part in making it known that all people were made equal, and that all are.
Lindsey Davis
I believe we are all made in God’s image and likeness. Our essence connects us, but man-made polices and materials may divide us. I resolve to fight against that which constrains any person or group of people from their fullest potential.
Midge Salvucci
I believe that questions are the answer. The way forward is with humility, curiosity and better, deeper questions that can take the conversation to new places, places where we can finally keep each other safe.
Charlotte Hall
I believe that racism is a sin against Christ’s second great commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. As a white who has benefitted from systemic racism, I resolve to interrogate my own heart, listen to the voices of African Americans, and act in whatever ways I can to build a just society.
Susan Brake
I believe that God is love. I resolve to be a conduit for God’s love in every interaction I have with others. I intend to look for more ways to help change the schools, businesses, and cities where racism is strongly rooted as well as continue to support the strong leaders who are already creating opportunities for children in cities, like Chester. I want to open my heart to others and will look at my own attitudes and beliefs to see where I can be less judging and more loving.
Tasha Knob
I believe that we all have a divine spark within and I resolve to actively see all in this light and to seek loving, respectful connection with others at this level. I believe Christ was a living example of how to love and reach out to the marginalized and mistreated. I resolve to do better at living into this example, especially now in relation to sinfully created racial distinction, prejudice and injustice.
Jennifer Conway
I trust in the Power of One—One Creator, One Loving Force that animates and holds All as One. I believe in the holiness and radiance of ALL beings, all that exists, all that is True. I trust that God’s Will is being—and will forever be—done. My intention each day is to walk with the Holy Spirit as my Guide in all that I think and do. This posture of “self” standing aside is what awakens and enlivens me to listen with ‘Christ Mind’ in ways present and practical. I know that healing is a journey that can only be shared.
Birgitte Haselgrove
I believe that we are all part of the rich tapestry called humanity. Every day is a chance to broaden it.
Bob McCauley
I believe there is deep rooted systemic racism and social injustice in our society which is contrary to my Christian beliefs. I resolve to act and speak against racism and support social justice for every individual and family.
Kathy Watts
I believe God created us all and we should strive to value what God has created. I resolve to learn about the unjust white supremacy and act to bring it down while discerning God’s plan.
Carol Savery
I believe that though I will never see all my unconscious racial bias and never fully recognize the totality of my white privilege or understand the hurt that I might unconsciously cause, God sees that I am trying and loves me for the attempt. Knowing the love of Jesus, I will strive to call out the pain I do see and work to be an agent of healing wherever I can, knowing that my faith can only strengthen me.
Add Your “I Believe” Statement
Please use the form below to compose your “I believe” statement of one to two sentences. When you are ready to send, press the “Submit” button. You will receive a confirmation email via the address you provided. This web page will be updated daily.
Need help? Here are parameters to guide you:
- Express yourself in one to two sentences.
- Begin your statement with “I believe” or “I resolve,” or use both.
- Speak in the first person for yourself and no one else.
- Avoid the word “should.”
- Be selective; express one core conviction.
- Be precise; say what you mean.
- Be concrete about what you resolve to do.
- You do not have to agree with every other “I believe” statement. Your name will be included next to your credo sentence.
