Alka's Angle

The 2019 Chicago mayoral election is drawing closer, and one of the leading topics that stands in front of the Chicago voters is the two candidates’ stance around rent control in Chicago apartments. Earlier in February, state lawmakers introduced a bill HB2192 which would repeal the ban, create six, elected, regional rent control boards across the state,  and provide benefits to both landlords and renters.

As we continue in this Lenten journey of slowing down, so we can find time to meet or reconnect with our ‘unhurried God,’ there is so much happening around us that catches our attention and demands a response. I will touch on many recent events but invite you to not get overwhelmed by them, but hold them in your prayers and offer them to God in a way that you are guided to a way you can respond to one or more of them.

We know that we live in a competitive world. If we slow down, chances are we will be last in the line for promotion, for accolades or in becoming the ‘employee of the month’ award.  We have created this culture of busyness around us because it not only is thrilling and temporarily fulfilling, but it also is a way for us avoid asking other deeper questions, says Carl Honore, in his ted talk on ‘In praise of Slowness.’ Guy Winch, talks about "The Importance of Self-care"  remind us how much we ignore caring for our own emotional, psychological and mental well-being.

Beloveds, as some of you know, the special called General Conference of UMC just ended, and ended on a horrible note -- supporting a plan that is plain evil -- it is much more punitive and tighter! I also want to say that it is not final yet! It has been sent to the Judicial Council (church court) for constitutionality. The JC will meet in April to determine and give us their verdict. But, the reality is that the denomination has once again failed us!

Beloveds of God,

I am beyond words! I am sure by now you have heard many versions of what happened at the special called General Conference. Some of you perhaps followed the live stream, others may have followed social media interpretation of the proceedings. It has taken me a couple days to figure out what to say, because words seem to be inadequate to express the level of pain that was caused, and the harm that has been done! Personally, I feel embarrassed and ashamed to even claim to be part of this church that has loudly proclaimed, all over again, the message of unwelcome and exclusion.

So, where do we go from here?