Since the new federal administration took office, our communities have been experiencing a plethora of challenges. We’ve seen assaults on the common good in many dimensions: to health care, research, humanitarian missions, inclusion and diversity, employment, education, poverty programs, environmental initiatives, healthy discourse – the list goes on.
We fear for our families, our neighbors, and the whole world. These are times that can destroy our spirit and test our faith. How can we survive such a brutal reality?
Thank God for our community of faith! As difficult as all of this is, we can face it together. With Jesus as our model, we were made for times like these. We were called to be in solidarity with those who are being oppressed, and we have much work ahead of us.
We happen to have the gift of a model that can serve us well, as we are asked to give of our time, talent and treasure.
Time:
You can take five minutes to sign a petition or contact your decisionmakers about an issue that’s important to you, ten minutes to spread the word to friends about the actions you’ve taken, or two hours to take the trolley and attend the next rally. If you can’t make this evening’s Good Trouble Rally at Waterfront Park from 5 – 8:30 pm, don’t worry: there are bound to be more! The Women’s March shares ongoing opportunities, Click Here.
Talent:
Through discernment and by seeking our own path through conversation with trusted friends, family and community support, we can decide whether we feel called to contact our decisionmakers, forward email opportunities to speak out or donate to just causes, join advocacy organizations, and/or attend rallies, marches and vigils. For example if you choose a public presence, the Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice will be holding an Interfaith Vigil for Earth Justice, a silent vigil on Monday, August 4 from noon to 1pm outside the Federal Courthouse, 385 West Broadway. For more information, contact phil@icejsd.org or register at icejsd.org (Click Here).
The Episcopal Church offers this guide for protesting faithfully (Click Here).
Treasure:
The need is greater than ever before! So many non-profit organizations that address needs regarding a multitude of social justice areas – especially any that include DEI; and locally, nationally, and globally as well – are seeking donations. For example, you can make a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries (Click Here).
For ongoing advocacy alerts and articles offering prayers and information, keep your eye on our Cathedral bulletin for advocacy opportunities from TEC Office of Government Relations, Sacred Ground in Action issues, Simpler Living Creation Care initiatives, and Peace and Justice in general.
Please offer an opportunity to others by letting us know how your faith informs your commitment to justice in these times, however you feel called to respond by using the comment feature.
Whatever you can do, follow Jesus in faith, hope, and love.
– Diane Lopez Hughes
