|
A Pastoral Letter
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:9
Dear people of God,
It is hard to know what to write at a time like this, as we feel the impact of yesterday’s events in the USA.
When I speak with pastors and lay leaders around the world, I hear about the many joys you have in serving God’s people and sharing the message of inclusive love. I also hear of the hardships and challenges – oppressive politics, the threat of violence, shortages of food and water, natural disasters, power blackouts, to name a few. Whenever MCC pastors and congregations speak out for justice, campaign for LGBT+ rights, march against racism and for inclusion, you are acting with courage and faith. I know that often you are also taking a great risk.
It was a profound shock to me the first time I visited one of our congregations in Florida, USA. The pastor took me on a tour of the building, pointing out the security cameras in the entrance hall, the room where the children can shelter if someone with a gun and intent to harm comes into the building, how quickly the doors can lock, and so on. This is the norm for so many of our US congregations. In a meeting with US clergy last year, one colleague shared how she moved from her desk to go to the printer and so just missed a bullet coming through the church office window.
Tensions were already running high in the lead up to the presidential elections in November. The shooting of former President Trump yesterday will add to this sense of instability, hostility and division. Violence is not the answer. It will take real courage and humility on the part of national leaders to change the dialogue, to look for areas of agreement and to disagree well, without using polarising, fear-based rhetoric.
You, our leaders and congregations in the USA, minister courageously in this climate of fear and division. You continue to stand firm, speaking out in the face of ongoing removal of LGBT+ and women’s rights, anti-trans violence, xenophobic speeches and wholesale removal of programmes that support diversity, equity and inclusion.
I know that on the ground, you work in partnership with other organisations, faith groups and communities to bring about a more just, safe and equitable society, sending ripples out beyond where you are. You are creating safe, sacred spaces offering hope, peace and joy. It may feel overwhelming just now. Yet, without your ministry, the world would be a poorer, scarier and less love filled place.
Don’t give up. God is with you. MCC is with you. Around the world, we are holding you in prayer, grateful for your ministry, your faith filled courage, your commitment to love, truth and justice. You are bringing peace on earth, right where you are.
God bless,
| 
