Racism has reared its ugly head once more, and nine holy innocents are dead. Many debate whether this is a hate crime or terrorism. Both are manifestations of evil, and in either case the church has a word for this: Sin. We are tragically broken in our humanity. When we are separated from one another, we are separated also from God.
The reality of racism in our nation–-on indisputable display in recent months–-continues to combine fatally with the appalling proliferation of easily accessed lethal weapons. When, o when, will we face into the former, and stop the latter?
The extraordinary witness of the victims’ families in Charleston, articulating a Christian theology of repentance and forgiveness even before all loved ones have been laid to rest, is a testimony beyond imagining. But their compassion does not negate the call for our own response, as individuals and as a nation.
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday, Jesus asks the anxious and overwhelmed disciples, “Have you no faith?” Let us speak, pray and act with faith–-faith in the power of the Holy Spirit to use us as instruments of peace and healing, if we but step out courageously into the deep waters to be such instruments.
The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates, Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Gayle E. Harris, Bishop Suffragan
Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
Local opportunities for prayer and remembrance:
Tuesday, June 23
- St. Luke’s-San Lucas, Chelsea: Interfaith/community service of healing, 5-6 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. In English and Spanish, at St. Luke’s-San Lucas, 201 Washington Ave., Chelsea
Wednesday, June 24
- St. John’s, Newtonville: Honoring the victims by gathering for Wednesday night Bible study. 7 p.m. at St. John’s, 297 Lowell Ave, Newton.
- Church of the Messiah, Woods Hole: The church will be open for prayer and meditation on Wednesday evening. 7 to 8 p.m. at Church of the Messiah, 22 Church St., Woods Hole.
Thursday, June 25
- St. Michael's Milton, Church of Our Saviour in Milton, Church of the Holy Spirit in Mattapan, and the Milton Interfaith Clergy Association invite the surrounding communities to stand with Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Charleston, South Carolina in an interfaith service of prayer, memory and hope. 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 495 Canton Ave. , Milton.