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Saint Mark’s Cathedral has had a fervent commitment to the work of social justice since it was founded in 1889—for example, leading the effort to create the city’s first pea patch program for those arriving in Seattle who faced food insecurity as the city swelled with new residents. From our earliest days we have sought to serve Christ in all persons, welcoming the stranger in our midst, as God so clearly calls us to do in scripture.
Since the 1970s, Saint Mark’s has worked faithfully in support of refugees, immigrants, and any who faced daunting challenges of relocating to unfamiliar—and sometimes hostile—places. The ministry of providing housing sanctuary has been a key aspect of that effort. As I said last evening in the multifaith gathering the cathedral hosted: “There is no one beyond the borders of God’s dignifying love, nor can there be for us as people of faith. Here we stand; we can do no other!”
This morning, I am heartened by the news that the Episcopal Church has joined in filing a religious freedom lawsuit challenging ICE enforcement actions in churches. It will take some time for this to work through the court system, and the outcome is far from sure, but we seek relief as persons of faith whose religious values are the longstanding principles by which we come to understand our ministry in the world. And among those values is the virtue of hope. Saint Mark’s stands as a beacon of hope in the world, in this nation, in this city. Here we stand; we can do no other!
I bid your continued prayers for all those who feel the threat of violence in these times, and I bid your prayers for this cathedral community as we continue to discern how God is calling us to respect the dignity of every human being in these times. I am, gratefully,
Your brother in Christ,
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