Friends, I feel the growing duty to share with you a sentiment that is in my heart. I am deeply saddened and increasingly disturbed by the escalating rhetoric and subsequent actions of the Trump administration in the past 20 – 24 weeks to mass deport our immigrant neighbors. This has led to the open protest and resistance by thousands (if not millions) of US citizens this past week. Many resist these administrative actions by taking to the streets, others protest and resist from behind their computer screens.
Regardless of which political party we belong to, as followers of Christ we must (at the very least) agree that the inhumane deportation of non-citizens, the use of tanks and SWAT like tactics to arrest non-criminal immigrants, and the use of military personnel inside our cities, is deeply disturbing.
I am not alone in this sentiment. Many of you have expressed how painful it is to read the news and think about the direction our government is moving. In these conversations I am often asked, “What does the United Church of Christ say about all this?”
Click on this link to read a message from our General Minister, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson.
So, what should we do here at Church of the Red Rocks? How should we respond to the tensions in our community and nation? Let’s begin with an intelligent and respectful conversation. I invite you to join the discussion I am leading on June 17, Politics and our Christian Faith, where we will discuss this issue in depth.
If while reading this letter, you find yourself disagreeing with my expressed thoughts and you would like to talk about it, please contact the church office to schedule a meeting with me. I am happy to hear from your heart.
Peace,
Pastor Guillermo
