We acknowledge the sin of our fathers. In particular, we acknowledge that the sin of racism was present in First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery. Let it be known that this is no longer the heart of the church and that all peoples are welcome.

“First Presbyterian? Who, Where? … Oh yeah, that’s the church that refused to let black people in.” Comment from a Montgomery resident made to a Montgomery PCA pastor in 2012.

While Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children, gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly. … Now then make confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives.“ Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice, “It is so; we must do as you have said. (Ezra 10:1, 11-12)

We acknowledge the sin of our fathers. In particular, we acknowledge that the sin of racism was present in First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery. Let it be known that this is no longer the heart of the church and that all peoples are welcome. For more information on the history of this matter, as well as the heart and mind of the church with regard to repentance, please view the PowerPoint presentation that was presented in 2014 (HERE). Feel free to contact the church leadership team if you have any questions or concerns.

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Ch 7:14)

Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. (James 4:9-10)

I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. (Joel 2:25-26)

[Editor’s note: The source URL to the original article is no longer available and has been removed, as well as one or more original URLs (links) referenced in this article.]