By: Bishop Scott Grey, DTh
Part 2
Beloved Community,
As we gather in this sacred space, we must heed the urgent call to awaken our spirits and confront the grave reality that surrounds us. There is a darkness that threatens our collective existence, and that darkness is embodied in the leadership of Donald Trump. His presidency is not merely a political concern; it is a clear and present danger to every one of us—an insidious force that seeks to sow division, fear, and hatred among our people. This is a solemn warning that we must embrace with both urgency and resolve.
As we reflect upon the teachings of our faith and the cries of our brothers and sisters, let us remember that our silence in the face of such a threat is complicity. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye or to remain indifferent, for the consequences of complacency are dire. “If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). This truth is not just a theological assertion; it is a moral imperative that calls us to action.
We are reminded of the haunting poem that speaks to the dangers of inaction. It goes something like this: When they came for the LGBTQ community I said nothing because I’m not LGBTQ. And when they came for black and brown people, I said nothing because I’m not black or brown. When they came for the Jews, I said nothing because I’m not a Jew. When they came for the indigenous people, I said nothing because I’m not indigenous. When they came for women, I said nothing because I’m not a woman .When they came for the unionist, I said nothing because I’m not a unionist. When they came for immigrants, I said nothing because I’m not an immigrant. And then, when they came for me, there was no one left to help me. This poem serves as a warning to us all: If we do not stand up for one another when trouble comes, we will find ourselves standing alone when troubles and the storm of oppression comes for us. There’s an old saying that says: if we want others to care about us, we have to first show ourselves to be caring for others. We must rise up, for the time for action is now! We cannot allow the rhetoric of division to dictate our responses. We are called to love, to advocate, and to fight for justice, not just for ourselves but for every soul that is marginalized and oppressed.
To my fellow leaders and preachers, I implore you: your silence during this tumultuous time carries profound consequences. You have a sacred duty to speak out against the evil that seeks to engulf our nation. The prophet Ezekiel reminds us of the weight of our responsibility—if we fail to warn the wicked, we too shall be held accountable (Ezekiel 3:18). The moment has come for us to repent for our inaction and to boldly proclaim the truth of justice and love.
And let us not forget the sin of certainty that arises from arrogance. In our pursuit of justice, we must remain humble and recognize that our journey is fraught with complexity. We do not possess all the answers, and it is in our vulnerability that we find strength. “Arrogance goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). Let us approach our work with open hearts, ready to listen to the voices of the oppressed and to learn from their experiences.
Together, we must dismantle the systems of oppression that threaten our beloved community. We must stand united against the forces that seek to divide us, for we are stronger together. Let us take action that echoes the teachings of our faith, where love triumphs over hate and justice prevails over tyranny.
We are a mighty army, fueled by the fire of justice and compassion! We will not succumb to complacency. We will not allow arrogance to cloud our mission. We will rise together, emboldened by faith, love, and the unwavering belief that a better world is possible.
With unwavering resolve and a heart full of hope,
Bishop Scott Grey, DTh.
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