As you know we have Anti-Racist Prayer Vigils scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 6:00pm. Rev. Joy Strome of Lakeview Presbyterian Church and I felt we needed to hold that space in the wake of all the Racist killings we are experiencing around us, lately focused against us Asian American people. It saddens me to even think that we felt the need to hold the prayer vigils against racism, twice a month. Hatred against other humans, beliefs and ideologies seems to have taken over our world. The unrest in Israel/Palestine is the most recent reminder of this sad reality. Now, I know that this is a sensitive subject, especially because several mainline religions, including Christianity, find their roots in Israel. So, I am absolutely not speaking of religion here, but people -- the people of Israel and Palestine. The recent unrest and the strong sentiment expressed against the Palestinian people forces me to speak up and speak out.
Beloveds, the Palestinian people have experienced injustice for ages. The attached map gives us a glimpse of the loss of their land. I invite you to click here, if you desire to read the article.
I am heart-broken to see how much of the Palestinian land has been taken away from them since 1946. And, who can understand their pain better than those who have been displaced by the colonizers, lorded over by the slave-holders and treated as collateral damage by the privileged, the elite and the 1% of this country/world. Now, while I do not condone destruction and unnecessary killing, I also understand their pain. I resonate with the injustice they have experienced -- not only at the hands of Israel, but many other countries, including ours, who have extended their support to Israel.
Beloveds, our God calls us to stand with the oppressed people. As United Methodists we have opposed Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian land and have called for a boycott of all businesses and products that invest in Israel’s harmful policies against Palestine. I invite you to visit Kairos Response website to learn more, to support the work and to donate to the Kairos Response. I know this is a difficult subject. I know we all have a right to feel and think and believe and I trust that, so I share all this to inform us of the United Methodist position on the matter, and I would be happy to have conversation with you, if you desire.
Beloveds, the work of justice is messy and the answers are never easy or simple. And, Jesus did not call us to take the easy way but the just way. So, as people of God, we continue to strive to do what is just and according to Jesus’ call to love and welcome. Let us continue to stand against all acts of violence, extend care and support for folks who might be targeted, do all we can to make this world a better place for all, and remember, I am always your partner in this work of justice! I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!
