To the Community of Saint Paul’s Church,
The past weeks I have written to you about how we are to be the Church in the midst of being physically separated; about how we are to care for one another, proclaim by our work and example that the Church is not defined by four walls but by the people who have heard and been nurtured by to life-giving hope of the Gospel of love that is proclaimed there.
We are still not able to come together within the walls of Saint Paul’s and it is painful. It is painful especially now when we need to be comforted, fed, and reminded of whose we are.
George Floyd is dead. I know of no one who believes it is justified or right. His death, however, laid bare the deep rooted feelings of inequality and pain that has been experienced by the Black and Brown community since 1619 when the first African slaves arrived at Jamestown. We cannot change our past, but we can shape our future. The only roadmap I know of that will lead us to that future is Jesus. Jesus who was like us, experiencing pain and grief, persecution and hate, yet lived a life of unconditional love and care for those around him; Jesus who was willing to say what needed to be said even knowing what the outcome would be; Jesus who told his disciples, as he tells us, that the only way forward was in the power of the Spirit empowering in us all that is good and all that reflects the way of life and hope that he shared.
Last evening peaceful protesters were gathered between the White House and St. John’s Episcopal Church. They were there to remind all of us that there is a longing for our nation to be better; to give real meaning to the words that begin our Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These peaceful protesters were teargassed, pushed back by percussion grenades and rubber bullets as they were exercising their right of peaceful assembly.
St. John’s Episcopal Church stood as a backdrop to these events. I believe that in the events that followed yesterday our church, the Episcopal Church, stood as a beacon of hope even in the darkest moments of our common experience. The Church is there to draw us to something better; to life, and love, and care for one another. The Church reminds us that we are not here to serve ourselves but to serve those who need us most.
In our baptismal vows we promise to reach out in love and concern for others not to strike out in fear and hatred. Anything, anything that proclaims otherwise is not from the God we serve. We are reminded in 1 John 4, “Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love.”
Some will say that I am being too political, but we must remember that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is radical, and whenever and wherever it is proclaimed with truth and power it is disturbing. This Gospel which we proclaim week after week calls us stand firm in our faith, to proclaim God’s gracious love and not to place self above the other. It calls us to stand in uncomfortable places.
I have not been using my usual blessing these past months but its words and calling are even more important now:
“Go forth into the world in Peace, be of good courage hold fast to what is good. Render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the faint hearted, support the weak, help the afflicted, honor all persons. Love and serve the Lord rejoicing in the power of the Spirit, and May the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with us always.
Amen
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