I struggle with the conversation regarding Ferguson. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
has offered her thoughts in this article:
http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/11/25/presiding-bishops-statement-on-the-way-forward-from-ferguson/#.VHUNsPQffkA.facebook.
The reactions to her statement are in
regard to her lack of acknowledgement for the officer, and the fact that she is
making a statement about the political and racial climate--not focusing on the
sacraments and God. The response from
the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Mariann Budde and Dean Gary
Hall, goes a little farther to express the complexity of the racial
disparity in this country and our responsibility to it: http://www.edow.org/article/statement-of-bishop-mariann-budde-and-dean-gary-hall-on-the-grand-jury-decision-in-the-case-of-michael-brown/#.VHT_dFwpteg.facebook.
I struggle with the conversation regarding Ferguson. At school, I am surrounded by people who are
willing to walk the streets in solidarity for racial equality and to
acknowledge their frustration with the justice system. I listen to the comments that the Gospel is
political, not partisan, and that we, as theologians and students of ministry
must keep the issues of the marginalized on the front burner when we
preach--with or without a pulpit. Jesus’
ministry was all about working with people who didn't fit in society or in the
synagogue, for whatever reason. His
actions are our model. This is why the
Gospel is political.
I struggle with the conversation regarding Ferguson. There are many people in my life who believe
that if we all followed the laws of the land, fair or not, and if we don't
cause problems, situations like the one in Ferguson would not happen. There are people in my life who believe the
issue is not race. Some believe it is
about commerce. Others struggle with the
rioters who are taking out their frustration on innocent business owners. Others believe the officer needs our prayers
and support. Living within the law,
respecting property, taking responsibility for personal actions are all
expected, no matter the circumstance or context.
I struggle with the conversation regarding Ferguson. People are divided and I don't know that we
will find resolution. I don't know that
we will find ways to sit together and talk without fear of being alienated or
of alienating those we love. I am sad,
confused and prayerful that God's work in the world is not done.
I struggle with the conversation regarding Ferguson. However…we can, at the very least, join in
prayer for peace and reconciliation. We
can, through a little more effort, listen and learn about our complicity in
matters of race, class, sex and gender and try to become more willing to
embrace one another, in spite of and because of our uniqueness. We can, through concentrated action, begin to
be the change needed so that we can begin to understand our common humanity and
find ways to sit together at the table. We
can, with open minds, be willing to listen to one another and learn from one
another. For we are all God's children.
And though we bicker and belittle and bemoan one another, we also
love.