June 4, 2020,

Dear FLA family:

The events that we have all been watching in our nation over the past few days are disturbing and heartbreaking. George Floyd's name will be added to a long list of other black men and women who died needlessly. This tragedy, along with the righteous anger and calls for justice that it has produced should move each of us to pause and to examine the values we truly stand for and are willing to speak out on.

James Baldwin wrote, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." This time in our nation's history demands that we face some very unpleasant realities.

As a result, the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventist issued the following statement:

"The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, as represented by the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, is anguished by the continued and increasing tension and violence emerging in various parts of our country and most recently in Minnesota with the cruelty resulting in the death of George Floyd.

Christians everywhere join peoples of all faith traditions and cultures to condemn the abusive behaviors we have observed in recent days. Such actions threaten the soul of our nation and violate both the values and principals upon which this country is founded and the Scriptures from which we draw our hope.

That which unites us should be amplified. That which divides us should be confronted and denounced. It is into a broken world that Christians are called. It is in the face of such evil that Christians are to live as a people who serve one another, defend one another, and protect one another. Sadly, those entrusted to protect both the innocent and guilty have failed in their duty.

The Florida Conference invites all of our members and friends, and the community at large, to carefully consider the tragic death of George Floyd and recognize that violence against ethnicity, race, culture, or language is deplorable and cannot continue unconfronted, and that silence in the face of such evil is unacceptable. It is through prayer and peace that our progress is fashioned. It is with understanding and acceptance that differences are laid aside. Perhaps the greatest test before the believer today is to live the message of Jesus who demanded that His followers "love one another."

Other courageous church leaders such as Ricardo Graham, the president of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventist have spoken out. His powerful statement entitled, "Let Justice Roll" can be read at: https://adventistfaith.com/let-justice-roll. He asks the vital question: "Where is the church in the midst of all this violence? Where is the one institution in society that is supposed to be our moral compass, that is supposed to be a prophetic voice calling out injustice, demanding justice, promoting righteousness?"

As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian school, Forest Lake Academy has a moral obligation to speak out against systemic racism. Unequivocally, we must proclaim that racism is a sin and failure to speak out and to condemn it makes us complicit. Too often, many make the easier and less risky choice to remain silent.

During World War II, Martin Niemoller, was a prominent Lutheran pastor in Germany who emerged as an outspoken critic of Adolf Hitler. As a result, he spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in various concentration camps. He is probably best remembered for his postwar words, "First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me."

As Christians, our hearts should be heavy as we witness the pain and hurt caused by the systemic racism that exists in our society. As Christians, we should be heartbroken by the racial divisions we are still witnessing decades after the civil rights movement. As Christians we should be distressed by the racist attitudes still embraced by many who claim to be people of faith. As Christians we must not remain silent. Micah 6:8 says, "He has told you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

There is no doubt that over the years Forest Lake Academy students have been hurt as they experienced acts of prejudice whether intentional or unintentional. There is no doubt that such incidents continue today. To issue a statement condemning systemic racism or the recent George Floyd tragedy is not enough. We must actively work together to make our world, our community, our church, our school a better place. We must identify the problems and embrace the changes that must be made so that we can begin the healing process. We must embody and demonstrate genuine acceptance, inclusiveness, collaboration and understanding.

To begin this healing process and to provide a forum for ongoing dialogue, FLA students are invited to share comments, experiences, and concerns via email to our administrative team at:

administration_office@forestlake.org.

Also, an invite will be sent to FLA students for a ZOOM meeting moderated by Pastor Andrew Moreno and Rodney McFadden that will provide a forum where our student community can listen, dialogue, and learn from one another.

In this time of turmoil and strife, we as parents, church members, school administrators, teachers, and students must reflect on our high calling from God, we must demonstrate the courage to stand for what is right, we must advocate justice for all, and we must commit ourselves to creating a truly inclusive and just community.

Your FLA Administrative Team