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On this eleventh day of Christmastide, I write asking your prayers for the people of Venezuela, including those residing among us in the United States. I’ve heard from several members of our diocese with family still in Venezuela that, in the wake of the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro, there is a sense of both optimism and fear for the future. There is optimism and hope for what their country might become without the oppressive, dictatorial leadership they’ve experienced over the past several decades. And there is anxiety about what comes next, particularly as the United States continues to intervene and interact with the emerging government. There is much that we don’t know about this evolving situation, but we know Jesus calls us to be present to all of the complexities of it and to stand faithfully with those who are suffering.
If you have not already seen the statement from the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations, I commend it to you here. In addition, I commend your continued advocacy here at home. The Indiana Faith Voices for Justice rally, “Faith in the Face of Fear,” is scheduled for January 8th. Our own Canon Marian Scott, of Christ Church Cathedral, is co-chair of this interfaith effort to make a public witness and strengthen advocacy skills. The day begins at 10 a.m. at the Indiana Statehouse and concludes with Informative Workshops from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Downtown Hilton. For more information (and to sign up for workshops), please see their website: infaithvoicesforjustice.org.
There is no question that we are living in turbulent times that will demand much of us as people of faith. As we enter this new calendar year and the church season of Epiphany, I want to recall the diocesan mission that we discerned together. As we wrestle with how to respond to the violence and turmoil both at home and abroad, I pray that we would remain spiritually grounded in Christ and faithful to our mission:
Grounded in God’s love in Christ, the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis and its people:
• Serve as beacons of Christ in central and southern Indiana and beyond
• Offer a generous invitation and welcome
• Stand with the vulnerable and marginalized to transform systems of injustice
• Connect with other Episcopalians, ecumenical and interfaith partners, and advocacy groups
• Develop clergy and laity to lead the church of today and tomorrow.
May God bless and keep you.
Faithfully,
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