"Racism is a SIN problem, not a SKIN problem!"
This is what Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church wrote on his Facebook page, as he slammed those who are prejudiced by racism as "narcissists".
"Racism is an insult to your Creator. God chose to make each person the race he wanted them to be, including you," he said. "Do you need to repent of hatred, fear, or stereotyping bigotry?"
Warren said that Saddleback Church members are culturally diverse as they collectively speak about 67 languages. "We want our church to look like heaven is going to look. We have every color, shape, and background, and nationality in our church," he said.
He also quoted verses from the Bible which rejects racism: Matthew 5:47 quotes Jesus as saying, ""If you are nice only to your people, you are no better than everyone lse. Even unbelievers do that!"
Other verses are 1 John 3:15 which says, ""Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and no murderer has eternal life in him!" and Luke 6:27 which says, "I tell you this clearly: You must love even your enemies and you must do good even to those who hate you."
Warren is going to preach about this message of reconciliation and peace at Saddleback's 45 Christmas services. It will be available in one of their services online during the five days leading to Christmas.