Pastoral Response to the Events in Charlottesville Virginia

These are the words I spoke to my congregation at the beginning of worship on Sunday, August 13, 2017 in response to hatred and violence which occurred in Charlottesville Virginia over the week-end.

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This morning, before we engage in any of the usual things we do when we gather together for worship, I need to pause and call us to prayer. This past week-end in Charlottesville Virginia a large gathering of self-proclaimed white supremacists, neo-nazis, and KKK came together in an open display of hatred, bigotry, racism, and violence. Many of them claim to be Christian. Three people lost their lives. A group of religious leaders who had gathered in a local church to pray and take a peaceful stand for love and peace and faith were surrounded by marchers who were bearing torches and shouting vile threats. We who seek to be people of faith cannot remain silent. This is not about being political. It is about being faithful. I know it can be uncomfortable. It can be easier to be silent. But as those who would practice hatred and violence become more and more emboldened silence becomes complicity. I could not find a statement from the UCC General Minister and President John Dorhauer (it’s probably there somewhere but I could not find it this morning). But I did find one from the newly elected Disciples General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens: Sisters and brothers, my heart breaks at the violence this weekend in Charlottesville – the loss of life, the dishonoring of children of God, the vile insults hurled and the wounds of history reopened. I pray for the family of the woman who died. I pray in praise of the peaceful demonstrators. We cannot take backward steps fueled by hatred. We cannot be silent when the humanity of black persons is being assaulted and terrorized. The commandment in 1 John 4:20 calls us to account: "Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also." And so let us love one another as we love God. With such love, we are compelled to stand for justice, and walk in peace."

We cannot do it alone. We must join with each other and we must call upon strength and courage and inspiration from God. And so, we must begin with prayer. Will you join me in prayer.

O God of peace and love and compassion – O God of all humanity – O God of all creation – shine your Light into the darkness of our world. Heal the wounds inflicted by hatred and violence. Empower us to join in the healing work. There is much to be done and it is so easy to become overwhelmed. Make your presence felt among us and remind us that we are not alone and we are not on our own. Send us forth as beacons of your light and agents of your love. In the name of Jesus who was proclaimed to be the Prince of Peace we pray. Amen.