 |
 |
A great irony of ministering in the Reformed tradition is that people often resist change. Change can be perceived as threat, and the body processes threats (real or perceived) in ways that bypass our cognitive brain and engage our survival reflexes. We’ve seen it in our history: the violent xenophobia that follows an influx of immigrants, the resistance of the majority to various civil rights movements, or the attack on the U.S. Capitol as Congress certified election results. While we are not our best selves when we feel threatened, we are also not incapable of greeting change in better, more thoughtful, and more hopeful ways. In fact, I believe that is what God expects us to do.
The Lenten season is a season of change. It is when we reflect upon our sin and embark upon a journey of repentance. Yet, too often our reflection stops at the personal. Now more than ever, what Lent needs to be is a time of communal reflection and corporate repentance. We need systemic change away from “weak resignation to the evils we deplore” and toward the courage to face our propensity toward violence and division. Such reflection requires bravery because it will necessarily challenge our notions of our own goodness, both personal and communal. We must be willing to tell the truth about ourselves, acknowledging that even the most well-meaning intentions and initiatives all need to be examined and interrogated in the light of love, truth, and justice. We must be willing to tell the truth about why some things – gun violence, systemic racism, anti-LGBTQ violence, Islamophobia, and antisemitism, to name a few – seem to be far too common among us.
Rev. Denise Anderson, Director Compassion, Peace & Justice |
 |
Presbyterians taking part in 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women |
Thousands of people from around the globe are in New York for the 67th Commission on the Status of Women, an annual gathering on gender equality. Among them are delegates from the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations and Presbyterian Women. |
 |
PC(USA) offers assistance for the people of earthquake-ravaged Syria and Turkey |
Amid news of a devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey, the Presbyterian Mission Agency reached out to offer assistance to partners in the area and asked Presbyterians to pray for those impacted. (Photo courtesy of GOPA-DERD) |
 |
Grant partner of the Presbyterian Hunger Program makes strides on local issues |
Anne Arundel Connecting Together (ACT) is a congregation-based community organizing group in the Annapolis, Maryland area that’s helping churches and other groups to champion local causes. It brings the groups together to work as a united force. |
 |
Listening to a PC(USA) pastor and a rabbi hold a respectful chat on antisemitism, Islamophobia and the church |
A conversation between the Rev. Denise Anderson and Rabbi Alana Suskin was the centerpiece of a webinar that explored topics such as antisemitism and how to advocate for the rights of Palestinians in partnership and conversation with Jewish neighbors. (Photo by Rich Copley) |
 |
“Just Creation — Shalom for Our Common Home” |
The list of speakers for an environmental conference at Columbia Theological Seminary includes experts from Compassion, Peace and Justice ministries and PC(USA) as well as a screening of “Flint: The Poisoning of an American City.” It will be March 16-18. |
 |
Biden’s Asylum Transit Ban: A Concerning Matter |
The Biden administration recently announced a new regulation that would effectively bar most of the migrants who arrive via the U.S.-Mexico border from asylum. The Presbyterian Office of Public Witness provides insight. (Photo by Greg Bulla via Unsplash) |
 |
Faith in Action: An update from Ukraine |
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance commemorated the one-year anniversary of the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine by sharing reports and stories from partners on the ground. (Photo by Simon Chambers/ACT) |
-1.jpg?width=1120&upscale=true&name=sdop_logo_4C-(1)-1.jpg){kind=logo} |
Save the date: ‘The Struggle is Real’ returns in May |
“The Struggle is Real” webinar series, hosted by the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP), returns May 16 at 2 p.m. (Eastern) and will focus on the intersection between poverty and veterans. Contact sdopevents@pcusa.org for more information. |
 |
Podcast listening guides available |
“A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast” listening guides are available now. Need a listening starting point or a way to reflect? These listening guides are a great way to delve into various topics, including race, theology, mental health and LGBTQIA+ issues. |
 |
Spreading the Vision of Matthew 25 across the Church |
The PC(USA) believes that we are called to serve Jesus by contributing to the well-being of the most vulnerable in all societies – rural and urban, small and large, young and not-so-young. From affordable housing to community gardens to equitable educational and employment opportunities to healing from addiction and mental illness to enacting policy change – there is not just one way to be a part of the Matthew 25 movement. |
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment