As this unrest unfolds on our TV screens and Americans are riveted by it, I invite all of us to take care of ourselves. Let us breathe and calm ourselves. Let us reach out to loved ones, friends and neighbors and keep each other safe. Let’s talk and pray together. Let’s look for what this teaches us about ourselves and our nation, what this calls us to do and how to live.
As people of conscience and of faith, we denounce violence. We lift up compassion, generosity, humility, and community. We dream of a community, a city, and a nation without violence; with public safety and public health a priority. We still believe this is possible, and we will work to make it so.
PRAYER
Divine spirit within us, between us, and beyond us, may there be peace.
May the rioters be done with their vandalism and cease. May the angry mob put down their flags and their weapons, and remember their humanity.
May the lawmakers be safe in their chambers and their offices. May the citizens of the nation’s capital be safe in their homes and businesses and the public places of the city.
Divine spirit, bless America. May all Americans see this violence and be ashamed. May this nation rise from this moment into a more loving, more just, more peaceful tomorrow.
By all that is holy, may it be so.
Rev. Andrew Frantz