Letter to the Editor:

We were saddened to learn that racist graffiti was painted on the entrance to The Lincoln University on Feb. 19. We applaud the determination of the students and administration to respond with, as they said, “the best of their best,” and it is our prayer that the Oxford community will do the same.

While this ugly incident does not reflect the thoughts or feelings of our community as a whole, it serves as a reminder of the work we all need to do to dismantle racism. Racism is one of the “powers and principalities” that we know Jesus Christ will triumph over, and we the church are called to labor on Christ’s behalf in that battle.

In very real ways, racism continues to exact its toll on members of our community. As long as this injustice stands for any one of us, there is no justice for any of us. We are heartened by the invitation to join The Lincoln University community for a renewal worship service on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. in their chapel.

We hope that many in the Oxford community will give their voices against racism in all forms, both subtle and unsubtle, and for the hope of the beloved community that we believe will one day be established.

The Oxford Ministerium