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The killing of 36-year-old Sonya Massey on July 6, 2024, represents for many Black Americans “emotional whiplash” and renewed spiritual and psychological trauma. Before you accuse me of being hyperbolic, keep in mind that last year, in 2023, police killed more Americans than any year on record.

Sonya Massey called 9-1-1 for help and ended up being shot in the head. She was in her kitchen and was threatened by a police officer after being instructed to put down a pot of boiling water on her stove. Watching a few seconds of the video camera footage is troubling as you hear the deputy sheriff threaten to shoot her in the face. The officer was fired and charged with three counts of first-degree murder as well as official misconduct.

This left he community of Springfield, Illinois, grieving and protesting; however, this for many is a reminder that the “George Floyd Justice in Policing Act” needs to be seriously considered by Congress. This law would prevent and remedy racial profiling and limit qualified immunity in the face of reckless behavior by police officers. The officer who shot Sonya Massey had worked for six law enforcement agencies in four years.

I invite your prayers for the family of Sonya Massey and for the community that has reminded us that this is part of a larger problem of policing in communities of color. Very few policies have been passed to curb police violence or keep officers like this one, who was discharged from the Army for misconduct, from carrying a badge and a gun. America can do better, and those of us in the faith community must demand we do better.

Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayers!

Julius C. Trimble
Resident Bishop
Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church
Copyright © 2024 Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.

Dismantling Racism

“What Is?” Series (developed by the General Commission on Religion and
Race)

What Is LGBTQIA+?
Definition:
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual or Agender: This is
an acronym that has expanded over the years to try and represent people who are
gender and sexual minorities (GSM). The “+” in the term acknowledges that the
acronym does not encompass all GSM identities and that our understanding of sexuality
and gender evolves.
Example(s) of LGBTQIA+:
“LGBTQIA+” tries to represent the spectrum of gender and sexual minorities (GSM). It
has expanded as human understanding of GSM has evolved. The danger of such an
acronym is that it lumps together into a community of individuals who often have very
different experiences and identities. Bisexual, trans, and non-binary persons can be
further marginalized because they are the often-misunderstood minorities within the
marginalized community.
Biblical/Spiritual/Theological Framing or References:
Jesus' ministry focused on caring for people on the margins of society. Jesus embodied
what love looks like in community life. LGBTQIA+ people are often marginalized in their
communities, and they experience discrimination in healthcare, housing, employment,
church life, and more. As followers of Jesus, we honor our call to make disciples by
working for full affirmation of all of God's people in community.
*More depth on theological framing can be found in the resources on the RMN resource
page which is linked below.
Reflection Questions:
1. Where do LGBTQIA+ people see themselves in scripture?
2. Gender and sexual minorities are made in God’s image, as is all of humankind.
What are Christians saying about God when they do not affirm LGBTQIA+ people?

3. Are we putting restrictions on God’s love by suggesting someone change who they
know God made them to be before they can participate fully in the life and
ministries of the church?
4. What does it mean to say that “all are welcome” in our churches? Does welcome
require changing who God made people to be?
5. Most oppressions are rooted in fear; what are common fears related to LGBTQIA+
people?
Additional Resources:
 RMN maintains a searchable and current list of resources.
 Specific terminology references can be found here.
 Welcoming People of Color to Affirming Congregations (From GCORR)
 Pronouns Matter! (From GCORR)
 Human Sexuality and the Church: Offering Pastoral Care when Congregants Have
Differing Views (From GCORR)