EMBRACE: A covenantal commitment to a journey to end racism

Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language." Rev. 7:9a

Purpose of this Advocacy Campaign

This campaign is an invitation to a covenantal commitment to a journey to end racism. It is a way for the church and stakeholders in the kingdom of God to express their grief and the spirit of lament regarding injustice and any actions that may have damaged or hurt our minority brothers and sisters. It is rooted in the prophetic actions of the gospel of "sackcloth and ashes" or the renting of a garment to express lament and a desire for change. So many of us wish to express to those around us our support, our sorrow, and our desire for change. This campaign offers two practical ways of getting involved.

The Black Ribbon

The black ribbon has traditionally been a sign of grief and mourning when worn. It can additionally be worn as a sign of hope and healing, as well as, solidarity and repentance. Salvationists and friends of The Salvation Army are invited to wear a black ribbon as an expression of grief, mourning, hope, healing, solidarity, and repentance.

The Pledge Card

The wearing of the ribbon can be accompanied by a pledge card, or the pledge card can be used without necessarily wearing the black ribbon. We are a covenant making people in The Salvation Army and it is natural for us to make a pledge or a commitment with the Lord to enact change in our personal and corporate lives. The pledge can be signed during corporate worship, or in the privacy of individual homes. An invitation to join in can be extended beyond The Salvation Army to the wider community.

The Pledge Card and Logo can be found as a JPEG file on MTK, ready for print.

The Black Ribbon can easily be purchased and put together with a safety/straight pin.

Join and promote this campaign at any time!