There Will Be Bread... When we gather around the table and break bread together, we are transformed not only individually but also as community. We, people from different ages and races, with different backgrounds and histories, become one body." -Henri Nouwen
Thank you, Fran. What a good and honorable woman. Sad story to relate. I was glad to learn what state (NY) she serves at the end, as I did not know who she was.
ReplyDeleteFran,thanks for posting this. It complements the video you posted by Diane Savino. Both deserve notice, I think, as statements of conscience at work in our political process.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, it's important that Senator Hassell-Thompson's voice be heard, because there are strong pressures to set the African American and gay communities against each other. A large percentage of the people of conscience who spoke out in the NY Senate debate were African American, and their courage and conviction here need to be celebrated.
Thank you, once again, Fran. It is good to hear this story, these words. What a model of integrity and grace!
ReplyDeleteHow impressive! I wish she was my local representative.
ReplyDeleteFran, I'm literally trembling with awe at this magnificent soul's courage and the content of her character. I too am a PK, the son of a woman pastor, and nuances in her statement suggest our faith traditions are identical. As the "brother" character who was estranged but eventually found his way back into his family's arms, I also understand the anguish she speaks of.
ReplyDeleteDenying equality to any citizen for any reason is morally unacceptable in principle alone. But these comments get at something that often goes missing in the debate--inequality and social stigmatization tears families apart. Siblings grow up without the love and guidance of older, ostracized brothers and sisters. Parents mourn the loss of children without the finality of death. And communities that debase their members deprive themselves of their gifts and generosity. If one of us is treated as less than the rest, we all suffer enormously.
I thought about Googling the sister to find out her denominational ties. I was curious to see if position in her communion might be the main reason she'd disagree with her sister's vote. But then I let it go. The truth of the matter is the church as whole no longer leads society; it follows meekly behind the changes its constituents come to accept in secular settings. Fighting for and insisting on social justice in non-church venues will lead the Church back to Christ's principles of equality and acceptance. The work we do outside its doors is just as important as what we do from inside to help us realize the kingdom of God is within us all.
Thank you so much for finding and sharing this. I trust you know how much it means to me.
Your brother always,
Tim
Her testamony brought me to tears. God bless her.
ReplyDeleteJim McCrea