Christianity Is Co-opting The Justice Movement

A figure stands in the middle of the image with arms outstretched. A red headband covers the forehead and long, loosely braided dark hair, parted in the middle. White streams down the face, and the eyes are red and swollen. The body has a bleeding wound on its side, a hole in each palm, and three rubber bullet wounds. Dark figures with riot gear border the figure to the right, while water from a vehicle cannon shoots down at the figure. (Art done by Joann Lee Kim/(http://www.joannleekim.com)

Is Christianity’s activism, solidarity, and short-term memory perpetuating injustices?

Last November, I traveled to Standing Rock. Along with over 500 clergy across many denominations, we met at North Dakota to help fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which was being constructed on tribal land. A “day of action” had been planned for clergy who were gathered in solidarity.

On that Thursday afternoon of November 3, 2016, I witnessed Christians and Catholics from all over the world come together, proclaiming that the construction of the DAPL in Standing Rock was wrong and needed to be stopped immediately.

On the night prior to the collective action, we prepared for what was to come the following afternoon. The leaders of this gathering made sure everyone knew their civil rights and what to do in case of an emergency. Spirits were high, and people were anxious to step up for our indigenous sisters and brothers. It seemed like everyone was on the same page — until the leader of the solidarity movement, a Father from an Episcopal church, reminded us of the specific call we answered by gathering together at the Oceti Sakowin Camp.

“We want to continue the call for non-violent protection action with law enforcement protecting the free…