Introduction
Humanity’s ethnic diversity is a gift from our Creator, intended to magnify the greatness of His glory. Sadly, it is often instead turned into an excuse for distrust, fear, hatred, oppression, and violence. This has been true throughout the history of fallen humanity, and there is no ethnic group that has not in some way been affected by this at some point in time. However, the issue of racial reconciliation has recently become a prominent issue confronting our culture. In response, the DGCC leadership has prepared this Statement for the following reasons:
1. To equip God’s people to speak biblically and thoughtfully to this issue since the Church is called to be “salt” and “light” in the world, to “speak the truth in love”, and be an effective witness to the Word of the Gospel.
2. To provide clarity on a topic that is rife with confusion and misunderstanding. For example, there is often lack of clarity regarding the meaning of words, such as “justice”. People can use the same words, but attach very different meanings to them. Effective communication is significantly hindered when there is not a common understanding of the meaning of words.
3. To minimize the misunderstandings that frequently occur due to inadequate communication. It is too easy to make assumptions about what people think and believe, including what the leadership of DGCC believes. There is no doubt that this topic has great potential to produce divisions among God’s people, as it is currently producing divisions in our society as a whole. We therefore encourage everyone to consider one another from a perspective that sees what is invisible and eternal, rather than visible and temporary; to set our minds on the things of the Spirit, rather than on the things of the world which is passing away; to remember the eternal bonds of unity that bind us all to Christ and therefore to each other. As we discuss these issues with others, both believers and non-believers, we would all be wise to have such conversations in person, face to face, and avoid using social media for that purpose.
This Statement is intended to communicate to the membership the present understanding and positions of the DGCC leadership. Agreement with all specifics in this Statement is neither required nor expected of members. If anything in this Statement causes concern or confusion, please do not hesitate to discuss it with one of the Elders.

Statements of Affirmation
1. We affirm that our identity is defined by our Creator, who alone has the right to define us. Based on God’s revelation through his Word: (more…)