A response to Charlottesville from Bishop C. Franklin Brookhart, Bishop of Montana
A response to Charlottesville from Bishop C. Franklin Brookhart, Bishop of Montana
Once again the sin of racism has revealed itself, this time in the unlikely setting of a quiet town that hosts the university founded by Thomas Jefferson. This event, which included the death of a young woman, reminds us that disciples of Jesus cannot tolerate or condone white supremacy and racism. It calls us, furthermore, to examine our own lives for signs of racism and to repent of same. This is the great sin of America, and we must name it when it occurs, work against it, and eradicate it from our church, our lives, and our nation.
In thinking about these events, this hymn by G.K. Chesterton kept coming to mind:
O God of earth and altar, bow down and hear our cry,
Our earthly leaders falter, our people drift and die;
The walls of gold entomb us, the swords of scorn divide,
Take not thy thunder from us, but take away our pride.
From all that terror teaches, from lies of tongue and pen,
From all the easy speeches that comfort cruel men,
From sale and profanation of honor, and the sword,
From sleep and from damnation, deliver us, good Lord.
(The Hymnal 1982, #591)
+CFB, 8/15/17