(DailyVantage.com) – People fast from various things during Lent to get closer to Jesus Christ. Sometimes they cut out specific foods, or those who participate in a partial fast may give up on something that consumes a lot of their time, such as media or video games. However, there is such a thing as going too far, and one Illinois church proves this with its new announcement.
In a press release on its website, the First United Church of Oak Park in Oak Park, Illinois, announced it was “fasting from whiteness” this Lent. If you’re wondering what that means, the institution has decided not to perform “hymns composed or written by White musicians.”
Chicago-area church announces it is 'fasting from whiteness' during Lent https://t.co/n5eFQhlYRm pic.twitter.com/LRxPbPuBFj
— New York Post (@nypost) April 6, 2022
Senior pastor, Rev. John Edgerton, referred to Jesus as a “dark-skinned man from the poor parts of town” and said it’s important to love Him more than the whiteness of one’s skin. He said it’s vital to acknowledge White supremacy exists and rise against it.
Lenten fasting is traditionally a period of repentance, self-examination, and spiritual re-dedication for Christians. The season of Lent usually looks for ways to promote inclusivity. Aren’t there other ways to promote inclusivity without excluding one group?
What do you think about the church’s decision?
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