Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III
The Cross and the Lynching Tree:
A Requiem for Ahmaud Arbery
If the link above does not work Click Here!
Even as we lament the lives that have been taken, that grief can become action rooted in love of God and love of neighbor. Here in Maine, it is common for some people, usually white, to say that “this place is not racist.”. But, the same issues we see on the news are present here in Maine. It is part of our air and water, too. We are all called to do what we can, when we can, to follow the Gospel. God will help us stretch to do this next right thing. As we know, being Christian means loving our neighbors, being bold in the face of injustice, and speaking truth to power. It means examining our own sinfulness and repenting, turning back towards God. The discomfort we’re feeling right now is a symptom of where we need to continue treating, where racism has taken root.
This is one more moment when we face the reality of white power and privilege. How can we commit to do the work to end it? Even as many of us are still staying at home to protect our neighbors in the midst of the Pandemic, here are some actions to either help you continue the work you’ve been doing, or begin this part of your Christian journey for the first time.
Our goal is not just to do one thing to help us feel better right now but begin, or continue, making the changes in ourselves and our institutions. As you know, this will be work that takes a while. Long-lasting change always does. In this moment, we are Called to act on our faith. To love our neighbor as ourselves, including being willing to be uncomfortable and face issues we would rather not face. For those who are new to this work, we must remember that our call is to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God -especially when it means examining our privilege and letting go, so that others may be treated fairly.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
First, even in your grief, do not succumb to powerlessness. As Rev. Linette George said in her sermon this past Sunday, you are leaders. People are looking to you, as Christians, for leadership. Building God’s Kindom has always been done bit by bit. You are building with God right now. Then, try to do some of the following:
For the list of resources and suggested actions from the Maine UCC, please click here.
When we join together with our siblings in faith of all kinds and with like-minded people who share our yearning for love and justice – we will surely make a difference. Please join together to unmask, dismantle and eradicate racism. We can do it.
In Christ’s peace,
Rev. Deborah J. Blood, Conference Minister
On behalf of the Anti-Racism Resource Team of the Maine Conference:
Rev. Linette George, co-chair
Rev. Christina Cataldo, co-chair
Anti-Racism Resources
While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some resources that are a helpful place to begin.
-compiled by Maine Conference UCC
Click here to access the Google Doc containing links and lists of blogs, books, films, curriculum resources, and more for those wishing to learn about racism and racial justice.
The following is an article written by Rebecca Ruiz for Mashable, about the differences between being “not racist” and being actively anti-racist:
6 ways to be antiracist, because being ‘not racist’ isn’t enough
The First Congregational Church of Blue Hill stands in support of peaceful protests for racial justice and equality in our local communities, and across the country. On Thursday, June 4 and Tuesday, June 9, we held two Vigils for Justice with gatherings in silent mediation and solidarity, and the tolling of the church bell. The following photos are from the first of those gatherings.
