Juneteenth & Christianity

Juneteenth and Christianity are likely not two ideas most people would put together, but let’s take a stab at it.

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19th, and has been recognized as a federal holiday in the United States since June 17th, 2021. For Christians, Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of freedom and the ways in which our faith calls us to work for justice and the liberation of all people.

The history of Juneteenth dates back to June 19th, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were now free. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all enslaved people in the Confederate states "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." However, the news of this proclamation did not reach Texas until June 19th, 1865, when Union troops arrived to enforce it.

For Christians, the story of Juneteenth is a reminder of the importance of proclaiming freedom and justice to those who have been oppressed. In the book of Isaiah, we read that God's mission is to "proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners" (Isaiah 61:1). In the New Testament, Jesus declares that he has come to "proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free" (Luke 4:18). As followers of Christ, we are called to continue this work of liberation in our own time and place.

• One way that Christians can work for justice and freedom is by advocating for policies that address systemic inequalities and promote racial justice. This might include supporting policies that address disparities in housing, education, and healthcare, or advocating for criminal justice reform and an end to mass incarceration. Christians can also support organizations that work to empower and uplift communities that have been historically marginalized, such as Black-led organizations and initiatives that promote economic opportunity and access to resources.

• Another way that Christians can work for justice and freedom is by engaging in anti-racism work and confronting the ways in which racism and white supremacy continue to shape our society. This might involve educating ourselves about the history of racism and its ongoing impact, speaking out against racist attitudes and behaviors, and working to dismantle systems of oppression. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to work for the flourishing of all people, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

• Finally, Christians can celebrate Juneteenth as an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which our own faith traditions have been shaped by the experience of slavery and racism. Many Christians in the United States are descendants of enslaved people, and the legacy of slavery continues to shape our society and our churches. By acknowledging this history and working to build more inclusive and equitable communities, we can honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and justice.

In conclusion, Juneteenth is a holiday that holds great significance for Christians, reminding us of the importance of proclaiming freedom and justice to those who have been oppressed. As we celebrate this holiday, let us renew our commitment to working for racial justice and liberation, and to building communities where all people are valued, respected, and empowered to flourish.

Best wishes,

L.B.