The Mennonite Church USA Executive Board turns to this well-known prayer in response to the ongoing events in Ferguson, Mo., and ongoing realities of racial inequality and injustice in our country:
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, harmony;
Where there is error, truth;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
May we seek peace within ourselves. May we respond to opportunities to be instruments of peace and reconciliation in our communities, and instruments of transformation in the systems we are part of and the processes we can influence. When a spirit of fear is governing our behavior, may the Spirit of Love cast it out so that we would truly see the face of God in each other—on earth as it is in heaven.
May God bring healing and hope to the community of Ferguson and to communities all across our nation who mourn similar tragedies, and comfort to those who grieve.
I really think that there should be some response from the Executive Board with the word “race” in it. This is a justice issue that should be core to the Mennonite’s mission of peace.
Thank you, Jacob — agreed! The first sentence names “ongoing realities of racial inequality and injustice in our country.” Undoing racism is one of our denominational priorities — an ongoing effort. Thank you for caring about racial justice/equity and for your concern that this be named. — Annette Brill Bergstresser for the Communications Team
Would that “ongoing realities . . . ” include doing anything more than praying? Or do we satisfy ourselves with a racism-erasing Weekend in the Woods with Tobin? Really? You’re so right, Jacob, but don’t look for change in MC USA any time soon. We’re going to pray about Israel this week.