Bishop's Letter Following Recent Events in Washington DC

Dear friends, 

Undoubtedly, this has been a deeply discouraging week. COVID infection numbers continue to climb both nationally and internationally. The events we have witnessed at the nation’s Capitol have shocked us all. 

From all ends of the political spectrum, as we consider the neighborhoods, the towns and cities where we live and work, it remains the case that many people believe that they have been or are being failed by leadership. With reference to events in Washington DC this week, many leaders from both parties are in agreement that the President’s remarks, before a large and volatile crowd on Wednesday, were at the very least reckless and beneath the office of President. Their conclusion resonates with many, including your Bishop. We all feel a deep need for the restoration of stability and civil peace. 

In Mark’s Gospel we read, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). We know the Great Shepherd. We know His mercy, His love, and His power to heal and restore. He is constantly and fiercely at work within our hearts and He brings the same great passion to the restoration of our society. When COVID-19 first broke, I felt led to implore us that amidst all the challenges, by the grace of God, this would be our finest hour. And I believe it has been. Your faithfulness in prayer and worship, your care of one another, and your ministry in the neighborhoods in which you live, has been extraordinarily beautiful in Christ. More of the same heart and spirit is now required of us. Let us be intentional about making space for His voice, presence, healing, and wisdom amidst so much anxiety and fear. Let us be instruments of His peace. Let us be fervent in prayer. 

In the book of Lamentations, the author famously reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun. This prayer from the Book of Common Prayer was offered by our Archbishop this week and is a fitting prayer for all that our hearts struggle to find words for. I pray that we can pray this together, in Jesus Christ, in whose love and presence we are united: 

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 657)

You are all very much in my prayers. 

In His great love,
Bishop Andrew