The implication is that all Native Americans are aggressive and violent people. The UMC affirmed that stand again just last month, calling on all sports teams to cease using racially-charged names. As a derogatory term which embodies a history of degradation and slaughter, we believe that it should be eliminated as the mascot or slogan for a professional sports team. The name demeans the team as it does not represent the negative connotations of this term and as such the term not only dehumanizes Native Americans, but it also dehumanizes the organization. You have an opportunity to set an example for the nation by choosing a new team name that instills pride in everyone and does not dismiss anyone as less than human.
Words have tremendous power to shape our perception of reality.
As such, we should take extra precaution and care in even the smallest details that are within our control. While we recognize, that changing the name of such an organization would not be a simple task and would involve the participation of the National Football League as well as the fans, it is the right thing to do. The use of nicknames is not conducive to the development of a society committed to the common good of its citizenry. The United Methodist Church has issued a call for repentance for the church's role in the dehumanization and colonization of our Native American sisters and brothers. We hope you will join us in this effort.