Dear People of God in the Diocese of Chicago,
I write to you this morning from the D.C. area, one of the places I have been spending my time off with family and friends this past month. I’ve always believed that prioritizing rest, sabbath and vacation time is important — necessary — for all of us. But it felt particularly poignant these past few weeks as we have watched the headlines go from devastating fires in California to harmful Executive Orders, sweeping job cuts and talented individuals being diminished as “DEI hires;” from communities in chaos over immigration enforcement to an inspiring message of mercy from my dear friend, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. And this morning, in my beloved D.C., we are praying for the victims of last night’s tragic plane crash, their grieving families and friends.
Friends, in the midst of the chaos and heartbreak I want to remind you that there is always good in our lives, because God is in our lives.
Faithful leaders in our church and in our diocese are rallying to support immigrants, asylum seekers, and our LGBTQ+ siblings. Volunteers are showing up in the coldest temperatures to feed their neighbors. Legal experts are providing guidance to help us navigate the changing policies and laws. Gifted preachers and theologians are helping us to find strength and inspiration in the gospel. Amidst the challenges, fear and heartbreak people are experiencing, there is still so much good among us because we are followers of Christ.
These are not easy times to live in. Truly, for some of us, just getting ourselves to church or to an online service on Sunday morning is an example of God’s love triumphing. But we are committed to Christ, always have been, always are, and always will be. That’s who we are in the Diocese of Chicago, and no winds of change, in our world, our nation, will change that.
Our commitment to Christ tells us that we are to respect the dignity of every human being. We declare this in our Baptismal Covenant and repeat it throughout the year, at confirmations, baptisms, and Easter. We commit to care for and love all people, for everyone is created in the image of God. That’s not political or trend-based, that’s biblical, and central to our core beliefs.
In the Diocese of Chicago, our motto is to “Lead with Love,” and it’s not a passing fancy. Leading with love is forever who we aspire to be as Christians. So, we will help and care for and love our neighbors, whoever they are and whatever they believe. As Christians, that’s what we do, and that’s who we are.
My friends, there is so much good and holy work we will do together in the weeks and months ahead, living out our commitment to God and God’s covenants. Truly important things are happening all around us that will affect our lives, our welfare, and the lives of those whom we know and love, no doubt. But one thing is for sure, and one thing is constant: God is in control, and we are committed to Christ.
In the coming days, as you navigate your commitments to work and family, church and community, I hope you will make time – even just briefly – for prayer, rest and spiritual nourishment. I invite you to join me in this simple prayer:
Lord, strengthen me with the courage to keep going, to continue to persevere through these difficult and challenging days. Help me remain steadfast in times of trial, to run the race that is set before me, to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer.
Yours in faith,
Bishop Paula Clark
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