Bishop Lucinda Ashby and the leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real have acknowledged with sadness the recent increase in violence towards Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people. In a statement of solidarity with the AAPI community released June 2, the leaders “utterly condemn all violent and discriminatory acts (physical, verbal and published) against the AAPI community, and call for justice and protection from such actions.”
The June 2 statement cites the many contributions of Asian Americans to the nation, as well as the structural racism and anti-immigrant policies they have endured. “More recently, Asians in the U.S. have been scapegoated and blamed for the coronavirus at federal, state, and local levels,” it reads. “This political rhetoric has served to fuel violence and heightened acts of racism. We call on the civil authorities to do all in their power to ensure safety, equality, fairness and justice for our fellow Americans. We also call on California educational institutions to include the significant contributions by AAPI people to America’s history and development.”
The statement closes by noting that God loves all people equally and that Jesus had a special ministry with those who were marginalized. “We assure all Asian American and Pacific Islander people of our deep respect for the unique contributions and gifts they bring, refreshing and glorifying our shared Body.” Read the full letter here.
