February, Black History Month, and a Call to Christian Reflection
As February marked Black History Month, many across North America paused to remember the suffering, resilience, and achievements of Black Americans. For the church, this month is more than a cultural observance—it is a spiritual opportunity. It invites us to examine our history in light of the gospel, to acknowledge where Christians failed to reflect Christ, and to recommit ourselves to justice, repentance, and reconciliation.
For Seventh-day Adventists, this reflection includes listening carefully to what Ellen G. White wrote about slavery, racism, and the church’s responsibility.
Ellen White on Slavery and Racism
Ellen White lived through the Civil War and its aftermath. She did not treat slavery as a minor social issue; she called it a moral evil and a national sin. Writing before and during the Civil War, she described slavery as an offence that had brought the judgment of God upon the United States.
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." – Proverbs 14:34
She consistently affirmed the full humanity and spiritual equality of Black people. Her counsel echoed Scripture:
- Acts 17:26 – “And hath made of one blood all nations of men…”
- Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
- James 2:1 – A warning against partiality within the church.
After emancipation, she urged Adventists to actively work for the spiritual and practical uplift of the freed slaves, especially in the American South. She called for:
- Establishing schools and churches for Black communities
- Providing practical education and economic opportunity
- Treating Black believers with dignity and Christian equality
At the same time, she rebuked racism within the church itself. She warned that prejudice among white believers grieved the Spirit of God and hindered the gospel. Her vision was not merely conversion of individuals, but transformation of relationships.
The Church’s Shared Guilt
While many Christians opposed slavery, many others defended or tolerated it. The broader Christian church in America often provided theological cover for racial hierarchy, segregation, and injustice. Even denominations that officially rejected slavery sometimes practiced segregation or excluded Black leadership.
Scripture leaves no room for self-righteous denial. The Bible teaches corporate responsibility as well as personal accountability:
- Daniel 9:5 – “We have sinned, and have committed iniquity…”
- 1 John 1:8–9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive.
The church today did not create slavery. But the church inherits history—both its faithfulness and its failures. Where Christians were silent in the face of injustice, where prejudice shaped policy, where segregation fractured fellowship, repentance is appropriate. Repentance does not mean endless shame; it means truthful acknowledgement and a changed direction.
The Legacy We Still Inherit
The end of slavery did not end racial injustice. Reconstruction, Jim Crow laws, discrimination in housing and education, and generational poverty left deep marks on society. These legacies continue to affect communities today.
The Bible speaks clearly about generational consequences (Exodus 20:5) but also about generational restoration (Ezekiel 18:20; Joel 2:25). The gospel does not erase history; it redeems people within history.
Black History Month reminds us that we are not only remembering suffering—we are honouring perseverance, faith, creativity, leadership, and the enduring witness of Black Christians whose trust in God sustained them through injustice.
What Can the Church Do Now?
The gospel calls the church beyond sentiment into action. Micah 6:8 summarizes our duty: “To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”
Here are several Christ-centred commitments:
1. Tell the Truth in Love
We can teach honest history—both the sins and the victories—without political hostility or defensiveness (Ephesians 4:15). Truth builds trust.
2. Practice Genuine Fellowship
Biblical unity is not colour-blindness; it is Spirit-created oneness across difference (Ephesians 2:14–16). Churches can cultivate shared leadership, shared worship, and shared decision-making.
3. Invest in Communities
Like the early church in Acts 6, which addressed inequity in food distribution, congregations today can ensure fairness in resources, education, and opportunity.
4. Model Repentance and Reconciliation
Jesus taught that reconciliation is central to worship (Matthew 5:23–24). Churches can host conversations, study Scripture together, and pray for healing where wounds remain.
5. Keep the Cross Central
At the foot of the cross, all stand equally in need of grace (Romans 3:23). The solution to racial pride or resentment is not ideology—it is the transforming love of Christ.
A Hope Bigger Than History
The Bible ends not with division, but with a redeemed multitude:
“Of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues” (Revelation 7:9).
This is not symbolic language—it is God’s final reality.
Black History Month offers the church an annual reminder: the gospel is not merely about personal salvation, but about the restoration of human dignity and the breaking down of walls sin has built. Where the church has failed, we confess. Where healing is needed, we labour. Where injustice lingers, we witness to a better kingdom.
And we do so with hope—because Christ is able to make all things new.