Today marks the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s public murder by police. What has changed? A great deal actually. That event in the midst of the worst pandemic in a generation unleashed a righteous fury among many white people and other people of color. Finally, we woke up to the reality the black and brown people live every day. There were months of protests that led to some substantive policy changes in policing. More importantly, we saw the inherent injustice of our systemic, racialized culture that remains largely invisible to most white people.
It was natural that we formed a comprehensive Racial Justice Council that initiated a congregation-wide program of education and action. Our upcoming Anti-Racism Resolution will put a foundation beneath this ministry towards justice. New programs here in our congregation and within the larger faith community are in the works.
More importantly perhaps is how this year changed us spiritually. Being deprived of what we took for normal brought grief, loss and loneliness. But it also brought a certain preciousness to our time together on Zoom and, most recently, in person. This past year has ignited a new flame of transformation and we feel it everywhere.
Soon we will head into our summer months, a time in our congregation that is more relaxed and more contemplative. I will be using the summer months to complete my training in spiritual direction, including several retreats. I hope to come back to you with a new fire as we pivot to what we are becoming.
As the pandemic loosens its grip, I urge you to connect with one another in person if you can. While ZOOM is a great tool for connection, it was never meant to be a substitute for the embodied presence each of us can bring.
Much has changed in the last year and much more will change with our faith, our commitment and our compassion.
Deep peace running to you,
Rev. John