Beloved in Christ,
The reality of human brokenness continues to crack open before us as we hear of the allegations of sexual assault presented during the confirmation hearings for a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. This unprecedented confirmation process has contributed to a level of discourse that is deepening the divide within our nation. Coupled with the ongoing national investigations of sexual abuse by clergy, we see pain, trauma, and victimization. For many of you, the subsequent outcry of disbelief is a re-victimization.
As your cathedral clergy, we feel called to respond. First, we must emphasize that these are not partisan issues. They are human issues. Second, we must recognize how we are the Church solely because of the way we pray together and the way we stand for God's justice as commanded by Holy Scripture and by the Book of Common Prayer.
With these understandings in mind, we say, decidedly, we are bound to the values of the Gospels, values that stand for the inherent dignity of each and every human being. We renounce, by virtue of our Baptismal Covenant, all spiritual forces of wickedness. We renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God. We renounce all sinful desires that draw us from the love of God.
As individuals, we are to resist evil by seeking and serving Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves. As the Church, we covenant to strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being.
May the God of peace grant us strength and grace to do so amidst the pains and conflicts we face in today's world. May we live into our Baptismal Covenant and work for the reign of God's kingdom on this earth.
For those of you who find yourself in particular need at this time, please know we stand with you in suffering, as we hold you in our thoughts and prayers. We are here to support you, to pray with you, and to offer you resources for peace and healing.
Yours in Christ,
