Dear friends-in-Christ,

Have any of you felt relatively good about yourselves and about life at the beginning of November? As a clergy person, I had mixed, bitter-sweet experiences and feelings since then. The reality of my upcoming retirement and saying “goodbye” to you and many whom I have befriended and loved; saying goodbye to a way of life I have become accustomed to here in Massachusetts, and the heartache I felt with regard to our apodictic political outcome. As your priest and pastor, I cannot cease to be your teacher of morals and ethics within the religious pastoral compass within our context.

Some people are angry, worried, and even despondent about the results of the election. Others are celebrating. It’s important that we listen deeply to the fears – and hopes – of those who are reacting to this election. Every person is created in God’s image.  This means that each individual has inherent dignity and value.

The sad reality is that some people have disrupted the democratic process through intimidation, aggressive rhetoric, destruction of voting boxes, and physical threats. Keeping people from voting has been a key factor in this election, and it has been for centuries. There are people living with the effects of harmful and violent political rhetoric and policies undergirded by transphobia, misogyny, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, fear of immigrants, violence, racism, and white privilege. And the incoming administration has made plans to put policies in place that reflect these beliefs. So, encouraging people to come together with those who have supported harmful policies would be insensitive at best, harmful at worst.

Right now, many people in our country disagree with each other about what should be happening in our country.  Because our nation is deeply divided, intimidation and threats of violence are ongoing. This could escalate at any time, and it can be frightening. During this election, some leaders have said mean, hurtful things. Words have been used to insult and bully certain individuals and groups as well as incite violence. Because of this, we as Christians need to be especially aware of what we say. What is the impact of our words? How do we make sure we are speaking truth? How do we ensure we aren’t repeating rumors or lies? Am I venting? If so, indulge me.

We’re moving on. Sunday, November 24 we commemorate Christ the King as well as our monthly Children’s service. Please bring them along. We also have David Forde who will join me with his guitar. Advent Sunday takes place On December 1, and our theme for Advent will be our recently retired Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s “Way of Love” program. Our parish choir has a busy program ahead which will include, Advent, Lessons and Carols, Christmas, and of course, my farewell service on December 30.

St. Cyprian’s church is connected to relevant and fundamental bodies that strive for racial and social justice, historicity, and nation-wide conscientious movements. I am appealing to you to become more involved with the Union of Black Episcopalians, the Historical Society, and the MLK Breakfast Committee. These groups are epochal with the understanding of our parish origin and require our sounding voices to enhance its praxis in our diocese and beyond.

Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained. (Phil 3:15-16)

Pax et Bonum

Noble+