Brothers
and Sisters in Christ of Patuxent Presbyterian Church:
I
was born and raised in Los Angeles, and growing up we viewed race riots as
something particular to the American South, but then the Watts riots took place
in LA during my senior year of college and perceptions across America changed.
Now we are seeing riots erupting in response to disturbing killings, and
Americans of all racial backgrounds grieve - for the families, for the
communities, for our country. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, record
unemployment, long lines for food and a country being wounded by divisive
rhetoric, we now watch race riots in multiple locations. The bottom line is
that racism and brokenness and divisiveness are residents not of a particular
geographic section of the country, but rather of the human heart. Jesus reminds
us that it is "out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murder, etc."
Matthew 15:19. We all have within us the potential for great evil - it's why
Jesus came.
I
would simply ask that you include this scenario and these concerns in your
devotional time and in your prayers, including asking the Lord to show you what
and where and how you might be in a position to address them as a
representative of Jesus. Our country needs help and healing and hope, serious
concerns for serious prayer.
Appended
is a short video from the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church USA for your consideration. Regardless of whether or not you agree with
all that he says, please be open to allowing the Holy Spirit to use it to
initiate some thoughtful reflection within and discussion with others.
I
remain grateful for the opportunity to serve you as your pastor during this
interim time.
Pax
Christi,
Pastor
Robert
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