South Sudan and Absalom Jones
I am sad to admit that I do not
know much about international situations or politics, other than what seeps in
from New York Times updates and headlines on news websites. Only recently have I become more aware of the
desperate situation in South Sudan. In
July 2011, a referendum called for the African country of Sudan to become two
nations - Sudan and South Sudan. Since that time, many residents of South Sudan
have experienced violence and suffered inhumane treatment.
The Presiding Bishop of the
Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, and the Stated Clerk
of the Presbyterian General Assembly and the Reformed Church in America, the
Rev. Gradye Parsons, has called for a Day of Prayer for South Sudan on Sunday, February
16th. "The world is increasingly concerned over the rampant
violence in South Sudan," the Presiding Bishop said. "The recent
increase in armed conflict, murder, and mayhem has been fomented in part by
inaccurate reports of tribal partisanship. The new nation needs peace, in order
that all its people might thrive. The Episcopal Church of Sudan is partnering
with others on the ground in that work of peace-building. The Sudanese
communities within our own Episcopal Church have been important and effective
leaders in this work. I ask your prayers for peace, as well as your awareness
and involvement in the lives of our brothers and sisters across the globe. The
Prince of Peace serves the whole world. As his disciples, may we do no
less!"
In addition to offering
intentional prayer for South Sudan, we will also be commemorating The Rev.
Absalom Jones, whose feast day is February 13th. Rev. Jones was the first black man to be
ordained in the Episcopal Church, yet the struggle for equality for people of
color in our historically white institution has been difficult and far from
over.
Both of these subjects remind us
Christians of our daily search for justice in God’s creation. What does God’s justice look like? Loving your neighbor as yourself and treating
each other (as well as yourself) with respect and dignity. It is a daily struggle because, as we know,
it is not easy to do. Yet we choose to
follow Christ, who did not choose the easy way either.
Even halfway across the world, we
can stand in solidarity with those who live in fear of their neighbor. God’s kingdom is not dominated by fear, but
it is a very powerful weapon. We need to
have the courage to stand up to such tyranny, bullying and prejudice, to use
the power we have to confront such evil when we witness it or are made aware of
it. Through our prayer and action, we
can strengthen the powerless, not only because it is what we are called to do,
but because it offers us the opportunity to change as well.
I still find it difficult to
watch the evening news, but I am more aware of the needs of my brothers and
sisters in Christ because someone is watching.
That is also part of the benefit of being part of a national and
international church structure. I give
thanks for that ministry and for those who have committed their live in Christ
to such work.
A Prayer for the Human Family (BCP p. 815)
O God, you made us
in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion
on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our
hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and
work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth;
that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your
heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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