A Note From Pastor Madeline
Faith in Action
There is no way to describe the feeling of rounding a corner on a street in Washington, DC, walking (well, actually riding on a mobility scooter because of my bad knee) with 2000 clergy and lay people from around the country, singing songs of peaceful protest and seeing the U.S. Capitol building right in front of you! It is an experience I cannot even put into words. The emotion was overwhelming and it took my breath away. If my eyes had not already been watering from the cold air, everyone would have known that I was crying tears of both joy and anguish.
Some people have asked me why I made this very long journey and gave up four days out of my incredibly busy schedule. They are having trouble understanding why this was so important. Well, let me see if I can explain....
When I became a United Methodist I vowed to "resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they presented themselves." (Baptismal Covenant I, UMC Hymnal, p.34). Then, when I was ordained as a Full Elder in the United Methodist Church, I was also asked these two questions:
- Will you do your best to pattern your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ?
- Will you, in the exercise of your ministry, lead the people of God to faith in Jesus Christ, to participate in the life and work of the community, and to seek peace, justice, and freedom for all people?
To both of these questions, I answered, "I will, with the help of God." I take these vows quite seriously!
As baptized followers of Christ (and quite frankly, simply as caring, compassionate human beings) we are called to seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). In our world today, we cannot turn our backs on this responsibility. So, when I was offered the opportunity to do something that would raise awareness about the suffering, mistreatment, injustice, discrimination or bullying that is being perpetrated upon those with whom we share this planet, I felt duty-bound to use my platform, my privilege, my voice and my position to take action. This is not because I am a pastor. This is because I am a human being.
Therefore, when this opportunity to travel to DC with other clergy people, including my beloved covenant group (Pastors Beth, Becky and Nicole) came along, I jumped at the chance to take part. I was also honored to carry with me the name of a fellow clergy sister (Rev. Kate Payton) who was unable to attend and a statement from Key West Immigrant Support network for Rep. Deborah Wasserman-Schultz and Rep. Carlos Giminez. And if my speaking out and taking part has brought any awareness at all to the deplorable treatment of our immigrant neighbors, then I have the comfort of knowing that in some small way I have worked towards fulfilling my baptismal vows and following in the steps of Jesus.
Let me be clear, social justice is in no way a part of "partisan politics." Caring for the poor, welcoming the stranger, seeking justice, standing up for the marginalized and loving our neighbors is Biblical and simply the right thing to do! Sitting in our pews and praying is helpful and necessary, but it is Incomplete Christianity without also taking action in some way.
So, I Ieave you with this question:
How is God calling you to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable?
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy". (Proverbs 31:8-9)
Grace and Peace
-Pastor Madeline