This week we again find ourselves taking sides. Some of us are pledging support for all police officers. Others are pledging support for black American suspects. Some are standing for states’ rights to decide the nature of marriage. And some of us are pleading for equal rights for all in marriage.
Whatever your opinions may be, many people of faith are taking a stand. In Baltimore, more than a 100 clergy joined the protestors this past weekend. “There’s been a state of emergency way before tonight,” the clergy said. “An emergency of poverty, a lack of jobs, disenfranchisement from the political process.” http://sojo.net/blogs/2015/04/28/watch-what-you-didnt-see-clergy-march-baltimore
Being our church’s Public Theology Advocate is a difficult role. Difficult, because Justice work is subjective – and each of us has a flawed image of what is Just, and what is Unjust. I’ve been asked to choose a Justice cause and to develop a project that our church can rally behind – and, in doing so, give us a taste of what true Discipleship can be. I ask that you pray for me in this role, as I struggle to take a stand, as a faith based individual, for Justice.
Respond to this blog, or contact me directly, with your thoughts, ideas, and concerns about social justice in the Pascack Valley region.
In Christ's Peace, Lisa
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And in Washington DC, clergy and faith leaders stood outside the Supreme Court as the Justices wrestled with states rights in denying marriage equality in same-sex marriages. Yes, even UMC clergy were present. https://www.facebook.com/RMNetwork
This should not surprise you. Jesus stood up for the oppressed and stood beside the sinners. He intentionally sought out the marginalized, to bring them the Good News of God’s redeeming love and grace. Whatever your views are about any of the issues in this week’s headlines, remember that we are simply asked to love – John 13:34-35. We are warned not to judge - Matthew 7. And we are challenged to believe that God’s loving grace given to us, is also given to all God’s children.
Being our church’s Public Theology Advocate is a difficult role. Difficult, because Justice work is subjective – and each of us has a flawed image of what is Just, and what is Unjust. I’ve been asked to choose a Justice cause and to develop a project that our church can rally behind – and, in doing so, give us a taste of what true Discipleship can be. I ask that you pray for me in this role, as I struggle to take a stand, as a faith based individual, for Justice.
Respond to this blog, or contact me directly, with your thoughts, ideas, and concerns about social justice in the Pascack Valley region.
In Christ's Peace, Lisa
