Cabinet statement on bomb threats on HBCU campuses

On Feb. 1, 2022, the first day of Black History Month, at least a half-dozen historically Black universities were responding to bomb threats on their campuses. Kentucky State University, located in Frankfort, was one of the institutions that received a threat and was forced to lock down for several hours. 
 
While the investigation is still ongoing, it appears the individuals or group who made these threats against our Historically Black Colleges and Universities were motivated by hatred of their neighbor. 
 
We, the Cabinet of the Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, condemn all acts of racism, and we prayerfully offer our support to the administration, faculty, staff, and students at Kentucky State University. We also continue our support of the KSU Wesley Foundation, our United Methodist student ministry located on campus. 
 
As passionate spiritual disciples of Jesus Christ, may we faithfully live out the vows of our Baptismal Covenant as we “resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves” and stand with our brothers and sisters at the KSU Wesley Foundation.   
 
We also remind ourselves and all Kentucky United Methodists of the Book of Discipline’s statement on Racial Justice:   
 
 “The United Methodist Church proclaims the value of each person as a unique child of God and commits itself to the healing and wholeness of all persons.
 
The United Methodist Church recognizes that the sin of racism has been destructive to its unity throughout its history. Racism continues to cause painful division and marginalization.
 
The United Methodist Church shall confront and seek to eliminate racism, whether in organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society at large.
 
The United Methodist Church shall work collaboratively with others to address concerns that threaten the cause of racial justice at all times and in all places.”
 

 
 
In the Spirit of the One who calls us to love and unity, 

   Iosmar Alvarez, Lexington District Superintendent

   Wade Arp, Pennyrile District Superintendent
 
   Shannon Boaz, Northern KY District Superintendent
  
   Kevin Burney, Asst. to the Bishop; Director, Ministerial Services

   Mark Dickinson, South Central District Superintendent

   John Hatton, Heartland District Superintendent
 
   Tina Patterson, Bluegrass District Superintendent

   Brad Smart, Kentucky East District Superintendent
 
   Jay Smith, Owensboro District Superintendent

   Karen Stigall, South East Kentucky District Superintendent; Red Bird Missionary Conference Superintendent