Pastoral Message from the Interim Rector
Reflections on our Baptismal Covenant: Some thoughts on Christian responsibility in this moment of national unrest.
In our baptismal covenant, as lovers of the Triune God at St Matthew’s Episcopal Church, we have vowed to:
• “persevere in resisting evil, and whenever we fall into sin repent and return to the Lord.”
• “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.”
• “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves.”
• “strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.”
Therefore, we lament the role we have played in racism, both intentionally and unintentionally, in the past and today. As expressed in one of our liturgies, “We confess the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf.” Beyond personal expressions of racial prejudice, we recognize the even more destructive policies and practices of institutional racism which favor one race over others, preventing a just community. Love is always the answer. We are committed to press forward in love. We are called to listen, study, pray, and love, because we know deep within ourselves that God’s bountiful, encompassing and liberating love is for all. As followers of Christ in the world, there is much for us to do. Regardless of past failures, God is calling us right now to transform our cultures, our societies, and the future, for the good of us all. Let us not be faint of heart but rejoice in the work!
During the summer, we encourage you to pray, and to study with your families. The attached document offers suggestions and resources to help in this endeavor. Please click here: What does the Lord require of us?
The Rev. Canon Dr. Peter B. Stube, Interim Rector