Statement of the ECCB Synodal Council regarding expressions of racism in Czech society

We are presently troubled by remarks of overt and covert racism in Czech society. The racism hidden in many of us is used by neo-Nazi groups who march on the streets and shout racist slogans. In a time of economic recession, the whole problem becomes even more powerful and more people will join the neo-Nazis. Now this happens especially in places where the problem of coexistence between the Czech majority and the Roma minority has not been overcome.

We know that is not easy living with people who are marginalized from mainstream society, who have long-term unemployment, who haven't learned to use a regular daily schedule, whose parents didn't facilitate their education, and who have no money,.

You don't achieve a better coexistence with demonstrations, which are exploited by representatives of neo-Nazi parties and groups to spread malicious and mindless ideology. Such things we reject, because they threaten the freedom and dignity of our fellow citizens and as a result of this, also our own. They are alien to our understanding that proceeds from faith and from being followers of Jesus Christ.

We believe that it is necessary that public administration, Church and charitable organizations work patiently and systematically with minorities.

We remind everybody that this matter is not just about working with the Roma minority, but with the whole society, in order to overcome aversion, hatred, and certain views towards minorities. Important is a responsible and truthful education of children and young people and the emphasis on the role of the family as a space in which we learn to love and tolerate.

We thank everybody that opposes racist thinking and action and seeks to resolve this situation in a nonviolent way.

Joel Ruml, Lia Valková, Daniel Ženatý, Pavel Kašpar, Pavel Stolař and Eva Zadražilová

Members of the Synodal Council of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren