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During this month of January 2025, two individuals (former US President Jimmy Carter and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) have been remembered and honored. These two individuals are lifted up, not because either “claimed to be Jesus” let alone “our savior” - but because both their lives and work, couched in the flaws of their own humanity, still encourage, inspire, and challenge us all - through servant leadership and a commitment to justice through non-violent presence, resistance, and protest - to come closer to the divine love that Jesus taught us. It is a divine empathic love that connects us to others rather than yielding to our own interests and ambition; a moral approach to justice that is grounded not in vengeance but in the equity, inclusion and care for all creation; which includes the dignity and respect for all whom God has created - in the beauty of our similarities, differences, and diversities - no matter how one self-identifies or self-expresses nor whom one loves.
In stark contrast, the words, actions, and intent on day one of the Trump administration, run counter to everything about divine love that Jesus taught, and which we hold in common with other faith traditions. From the Hebrew scriptures we read:
This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and journey in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not go that way…’”
— Jeremiah 6:16
So many of us - especially our transgender/non-binary/gender queer and immigrant siblings - restlessly awaited what might happen once the 47th president took the oath of office. Some said, “Wait and see, maybe things will not be as bad as we fear." Well… we waited, we saw, and we heard. And, as we did, the words of Maya Angelou rang true, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
In reaction to, and under the strain of a whole gamut of emotions to all we are hearing and that is beginning to come to pass… we must acknowledge how raw and real the life-threatening fear is for so many in our churches and communities. Some may feel overwhelmed, even numb, and paralyzed. Others are angry, poised, and ready to spring to action. In all we are feeling, first and foremost let us remind one another we are not alone -- as the Divine Voice reminded the prophet Elijah, when he was depressed and feeling alone on the floor of the cave, that there were yet thousands of faithful remaining in other places. (1 Kings 19:9-18) We are not alone, because we will work with others who also believe in justice. Jesus reminds us of “other sheep” who are allies with us. (John 10:16) Most importantly, we are connected to, surrounded by, and empowered by the divine Spirit of truth - an advocate, companion, and comforter to guide and teach us in the journey, both at the crossroads and in the challenges on the paths that lie ahead. (John 15-16)
As we consider and are intentional about what actions we take, individually and together, may the words the queen mother shared with her son King Lemuel not be lost on us:
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of and to ensure justice for all who are being crushed and vulnerable. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
— Proverbs 31:1,8-9
Now, more than any other time in our lives, more may be required of us, now and going forward, more than we ever imagined, or wanted. Dear MCC family and friends, as the Council of Elders, our commitment to you is to be with you in every way possible as together we “rise up” to meet the challenges we now face.
As Jesus shared with his followers around a table of grace, community, and thanksgiving we read “they sung a hymn and went out” to face what would lie ahead. Perhaps, the lyrics of a song written by Holly Near after the death of Harvey Milk are appropriate as a hymn for us - our call to action in this time of passion:
We are a gentle, angry people, and we are singing, singing for our lives.
We are a gentle, angry people, and we are singing, singing for our lives.
We are a justice-seeking people…
We are young and old together…
We are a land of many colors…
We are ALL in this together….
We are a gentle, loving people…
Someone wrote of this song, “It demands that we make sure everyone knows who we are and how many we are, we who will not be moved, we who are scared, and angry, and loving, and resisting.” As we go out - not alone but together - we too are singing for our lives and the lives of ALL in beloved community. As we sing, may the Spirit guide us along the faithful footsteps forged by Jesus, Rev. Dr. King Jr, and President Jimmy Carter; that we also may do what God requires of us “to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).
There will indeed be times ahead when all of us will be called upon to put our faith into action, albeit at various times and in differing ways. Coming up we invite you to participate in two sessions of orientation and training entitled “Primer on Justice Through Non-violent Resistance.” These sessions are scheduled for Monday February 17, 2025, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time – New York) and Wednesday February 26, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time – New York). Registration is free and open to anyone. Please be looking for the details from our Council of Elders and MCC staff on how to register and connect for these opportunities and for other ways to be involved and ways to take action.
In the meantime, we encourage you to collaborate with local social justice organizations and reach out to those affected or are afraid, with love and care. Below are some more specific ideas for individuals and/or our local churches.
And may all we sing, write, and do…be done in Love.
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