On May 14, 2022, a gunman fired shots inside a grocery store in Buffalo, NY, killing 10 people and injuring three. The shooter was a self-proclaimed white supremacist whose online activity included references to various racist conspiracy theories.
The United Methodist Church condemns all forms of racism and white supremacy. “Racism, manifested as sin, plagues and hinders our relationship with Christ, inasmuch as it is antithetical to the gospel itself. In many cultures white persons are granted unearned privileges and benefits that are denied to persons of color. We oppose the creation of a racial hierarchy in any culture.” (¶ 162 The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2016)
United Methodist leaders representing annual conferences, general agencies, local churches and other denominational agencies have come together in condemning both the attack in Buffalo and the ideology of racism and hatred that motivated the shooter.
Annual conferences
- Brian Tillman, Director of Inclusion and Advocacy: “Message from our Director of Inclusion and Advocacy,” North Georgia Annual Conference (May 16, 2022).
- Bishop Mark J. Webb: “Prayers for Buffalo,” Upper New York Annual Conference (May 14, 2022).
- Bishop LaTrelle Easterling: “In the wake of the shooting, we pray,” Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference (May 15, 2022).
- Bishop Grant J. Hagiya: “Bishop Hagiya’s Statement on Shootings in Buffalo and Laguna Woods,” California-Pacific Annual Conference (May 17, 2022).
- Bishop Michael McKee: “Resolution On Hate Crimes Approved At Clergy Session,” North Texas Annual Conference (May 16, 2022).
- Bishop Karen P. Oliveto: “Prayers and thoughts after a tragedy in Buffalo,” Mountain Sky Annual Conference (May 15, 2022).
- Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett: “Message from Bishop Wallace-Padgett: Prayer following Buffalo shooting,” North Alabama Annual Conference (May 18, 2022).
General agencies
- Heather Hahn, Assistant News Editor: “Churches condemn hate, urge action after shootings,” United Methodist News Service (May 16, 2022).
- “GCORR Responds and Resources the Church Around Buffalo Shooting,” General Commission on Religion and Race (May 16, 2022).
- Yvette Moore, Director of Public Relations and Marketing: “United Women in Faith Mourns 10 People Slain by Racially Motivated Violence in Buffalo,” United Women in Faith (May 16, 2022).
Additional resources
- Bishop LaTrelle Easterling (Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware), Bishop Michael McKee (North Texas Annual Conference) and Bishop Gregory Palmer (West Ohio): “The Unfinished Church podcast,” (May 19, 2022).
- “Gun Violence Faith & Fact Card,” General Board of Church and Society.
- “Dismantling Racism: Pressing onto Freedom Initiative,” United Methodist Communications
- “The Social Principles: The Social Community,” The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016.