Metro's Statement on Violence Against Asians

It is news to nobody that since the beginning of the pandemic, hate crimes against Asian people have increased in number at an alarming rate. Stories of Asian people enduring racial epithets, robberies, and even lysol sprayed in their faces to “cleanse” them from the “kung flu” are commonplace, but get very little media attention.

The latest in the string of violence has been against the elderly population around the country. From California’s Bay Area to our very own New York City, elderly Asian men and women aged in their 80’s and 90’s have been shoved to the ground, punched in the face, and abused. It is a cowardly thing to target the vulnerable. It is even more cowardly when it is done because of the color of one’s skin or their ethnic background.

We at Metro believe the commands of Scripture that call us to “love our neighbor”, “honor our mother and father”, and to “defend the rights of the poor and needy.” We condemn hate speech and hate crimes against anyone, but especially against the vulnerable. We will not only be praying for the recovery of the victims, but also will be engaged in active conversations to do our part in God’s holy work to eradicate racism in all its forms.

We want to make it clear that Metro Community Church stands in solidarity with the hurting Asian community during this unprecedented and unfortunate time in our nation.

Peter Ahn
Lead Pastor