Dear Friends,
As we start this new week, I am thinking of all the events of last week and want to remind everyone of the peaceful transition that our democracy is known for, the inspiring words echoed all across the world and peace.
Amanda Gorman eloquently spoke these words:
“We the successors of a country and a time
Where a skinny Black girl
descended from slaves and raised by single mother
can dream of becoming president
only to find herself reciting for one
And yes we are far from polished
far from pristine
but that doesn’t mean we are
striving to form a union that is perfect
We are striving to forge a union with purpose
To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and conditions of man”.
As President Biden said in his speech, “democracy has prevailed”. Later on he said, “the cry for survival comes from the planet itself, a cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear.” This message is encouraging for all of us, “to overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words. It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: Unity. Unity.”
Two weeks ago, Bishop Perry preached in her sermon titled, Listen and Hear:
“Why are so many people afraid that Dr. King’s dream for our country may be realized? Why are so many of us who claim to be Christian afraid of having power and access to power equally distributed across all races and classes? Why do so many of us who follow Christ believe that our world is an apple pie, where if you get a big piece, mine will be small?”
Let us strive to listen and hear each other in a new way this year.
Let us pray.
O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
BCP For the Diversity of Races and Cultures
Submitted by:
Luke Thompson
Resolution Review Committee
Diocesan Council
